ANCHORAGE, Alaska — Veterinarians warn that too much turkey and other Thanksgiving food can be harmful to pets.
“Put your garbage outside, put it in the garage, put it away from where the dogs can get to it,” said Dr. Melissa Diederich, veterinarian at Pet Emergency Treatment in Anchorage.
A few other tips to keep in mind this holiday season.
- Turkey, especially the fat, can be harmful to a dog’s pancreas
- Onions or garlic, if eaten in large quantities, can cause anemia
- Chocolate is never good for a pet
- Unbaked rolls with yeast in them can rise in a pet’s stomach and make them sick
- Turkey bones, when chewed can clog the esophagus, and the shards can cause internal injuries
- Grapes and raisins can make dogs sick
- Cats and dogs can be tempted to eat tinsel and other flashy decorations off any early-season Christmas trees, requiring costly surgery
And be careful if you are planning to bring your pet over to a friend or relative’s house. Veterinarians report an increased number of dog and cat fights this time of year, when pets are stressed and introduced to other animals in unfamiliar environments. A visit to the pet ER can run $150 to $200 or more.
