Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and it’s a great
occasion to have your family join you in the kitchen for a fun day of food
prep. When the enticing aromas of food start wafting through your house, it’s
likely that your pets will want to get in on the action. However, the hectic
environment in the kitchen on this food-filled holiday poses some potential
health risks for your pets. Remember these safety tips as you whip up the
perfect batch of mashed potatoes and gravy:
Let’s
talk turkey: If
you decide to give your pet a nibble of your Thanksgiving turkey, make sure
it’s boneless and well-cooked—no raw or undercooked turkey, which may contain
salmonella bacteria.
Sage
advice: While
sage can be a delicious addition to your Thanksgiving stuffing, it and many
other herbs contain essential oils and resins that can cause gastrointestinal
upset and central nervous system depression in pets. Cats are especially
sensitive.
Doughy
dangers: When an animal
ingests raw bread dough, his body heat causes the dough to rise in his stomach.
Ouch! This may cause vomiting, severe abdominal pain and bloating, which could
become a life-threatening emergency. Cake batters made with raw eggs are also
dangerous to pets.
Portion
control, please: While
it’s ok to share a bit of well-cooked turkey with your furry friend, it’s best
to stick to your pet’s regular diet during the holidays. Allowing your pets to
over indulge could cause stomach upset, diarrhea or pancreatitis.
Source: http://www.aspca.org/parents/term/its-turkey-time-check-out-our-thanksgiving-pet-safety-tips
