Thanksgiving Feast: Yay or Nay for Pets?

Thanksgiving Feast: Yay or Nay for Pets?

     We’re just days away from the feast of all feasts: Thanksgiving! While it may be tempting to share holiday meals with our pets, many foods cause gastrointestinal distress and some are outright toxic. So, let’s learn which foods are a “yay” and which are “nay” for our pets this Thanksgiving Day.

     Pumpkin—Yay! Pumpkin is a safe and natural source of fiber for both cats and dogs.  Pumpkin pie…is not. If you want to feed your pet some pumpkin, make sure it is plain canned pumpkin, not pumpkin pie. The fat, sugar and spices in pie can make pets sick. Spices, while not likely to be toxic in the amounts found in pie, can be toxic on their own in large amounts.  Accidental ingestion of whole nutmeg can cause vomiting, abdominal pain and seizures. Allspice and cloves-especially clove oil-can cause liver toxicity in cats and may cause vomiting, staggering and tremors. Cinnamon may be irritating to the mouth and skin in large amounts. Your pet can enjoy a spoonful of pumpkin or a few cubes of plain butternut squash sans spice. Keep the pie for yourself!

     Raw dough--Nay! If you’re making homemade bread or rolls, be aware that raw yeast dough can cause bloat and alcohol poisoning if pets ingest the dough.  The yeast is the culprit.  The stomach activates the yeast in the dough, causing carbon dioxide to form.  This can lead to bloat. Fermentation also produces alcohol which can be rapidly absorbed into the blood stream causing lethargy, respiratory distress or even seizures.  Affected pets may exhibit signs of retching or vomiting, distended stomach, and collapse.  Pets can die from these symptoms, so, make sure pets do not have access to unbaked dough. 

               Turkey—Yay--but with caution.  Turkey isn’t toxic, but the fatty skin and seasonings could lead to stomach upset, diarrhea and maybe worse with illnesses like pancreatitis.  Intestinal obstruction could also occur if your dog or cat decides to forage through the trash finding bones or non-edible items like aluminum foil or plastic wrap that may have tasty food remnants attached.  Make sure pets do not have access to turkey carcasses.   Turkey accompaniments like gravy, stuffing, and mashed potatoes area a nay—too much fat and ingredients like onions and garlic which are no good for our furry friends.

               Cranberries—Yay!  Cranberries are generally safe for cats and dogs, but, feed in moderation. Dogs and cats could experience stomach upset if they eat too many cranberries. Stick to fresh--dried cranberries, sauce and juice have a lot of sugar, so feed sparingly.  Fresh cranberries can also be a great occasional snack for birds, bearded dragons, hamsters and guinea pigs.

               So, it’s okay to share a bite of turkey or a cranberry or two with your fur babies, but don’t give your pet a whole plate of rich Thanksgiving foods or you could end up in our office or at the ER instead of shopping and enjoying time with family and friends.  Patton Veterinary Hospital wishes you all a safe, happy and healthy Thanksgiving!           

               This blog brought to you by the Patton Veterinary Hospital serving Red Lion, York and the surrounding communities.