Heading into the Thanksgiving holiday, veterinarians are reminding pet owners of the dangers that could be lurking in the kitchen.
“We want to make sure that we’re minimizing any additional food scraps, things like that,” said Dr. Allison Kean, chief veterinary medical officer at the SPCA Serving Erie County.
Not only can table scraps pack on the pounds, but they may also have toxic ingredients to pets. Kean said onions, garlic, grapes and raisins are some common produce items that can cause serious illness in dogs.
Additionally, pets that are feeling mischievous may find their way into the garbage bin, which could have poultry bones.
“Turkey bones, chicken bones. I prefer animals don’t eat any bones, but any of those small ones, they break easily. They are very sharp. They’re very pointy, and they can actually perforate the stomach and the intestines, and they can cause a lot of damage,” said Kean.
Some dogs who eat foods they are not accustomed to may experience bloat, which is a potentially life-threatening condition.
Signs your pet may have ingested something dangerous include lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea or showing signs of discomfort. SPCA workers encourage people to act fast if they notice these signs and call their vet.
Some ways to prevent an emergency include keeping a close eye on your pets, communicating to visitors and kids that they should not feed pets any of the holiday foods and consider giving your dog plenty of exercise.
“Getting them out and getting a lot more exercise is going to just keep them a lot more quiet and calm and less anxious about all of the things that are going to transpire over the holidays,” Kean said.
A fresh carrot or some green beans are typically safe for dogs in moderation. Potpourri, candles and other strong perfumes can also irritate pets, even if not ingested.
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