Thanksgiving is almost here and with it comes all kinds of yummy and delicious foods. However, there are some foods that are not only bad but toxic to dogs and cats. Keep that in mind during Thanksgiving dinner and don’t give the following foods to your fur babies.

·         Turkey bones

o   Cooked turkey bones can cause indigestion in cats and dogs and could also cause vomiting and an obstruction. Since cooked turkey bones can become brittle they may splinter and cause damage to the insides of the stomach and intestines.

 

·         Stuffing

o   Stuffing is often made with scallions, onions or garlic which are toxic to dogs and cats and can cause life threatening anemia.

 

·         Ham

o   Ham and other pork products can cause stomach upset, vomiting and diarrhea.

o   Ham is also high in fat and can lead to obesity in your pet. Even a small amount can lead to a high calorie count in a cat or small dog’s diet.

 

·         Mashed potatoes

o   Potatoes are safe for pets to eat but because mashed potatoes have milk and butter in them which can cause diarrhea in lactose intolerant pets. Some recipes call for onion powder or garlic, which are toxic to pets.

 

·         Salads with grapes and raisins

o   Grapes and raisins can cause severe, irreversible and sometimes fatal kidney failure in dogs

 

·         Chocolate desserts

o   Dogs love the smell and taste of chocolate but it is very toxic to them and the darker the chocolate, the more toxic it is.

 

Keep all these foods out of reach of your pets during Thanksgiving dinner to prevent any unexpected and costly visits to the emergency vet. Also if you think your pet has ingested a potentiality poisonous substance, you can call the ASPCA’s animal poison control number at (888) 426-4435. A consultation fee may apply.