Thanksgiving is almost here, and while family celebrations may be different this year due to COVID-19, the food is still going to be delicious. But experts warn that domestic pets should not partake of many holiday foods. Some may be actually toxic and dangerous, according to Pets Best.
Here are six foods that you should never share with dogs and cats:
- Stuffing. Thanksgiving stuffing usually contains onions and garlic, which are poison to pets. They can cause life-threatening anemia.
- Ham. Pork products, including ham, can cause pancreatitis, vomiting, and diarrhea, according to experts. They are also usually too salty, which is extremely dangerous for pets.
- Turkey bones. Dr. Jack Stephens, writing for Pets Best, said that “bones can cause severe indigestion in dogs and cats, potentially causing vomiting and obstructing the bowel.” He adds that they can also splinter and damage the inside of the stomach and intestines, causing a potentially fatal infection.
- Mashed potatoes. It is not the potatoes that is toxic to pets, but the butter and milk whipped into the spuds. Stephens said that dairy foods can cause diarrhea in lactose intolerant animals.
- Chocolate desserts. Even though pumpkin pie is the more traditional finale to the Thanksgiving meal, many families serve chocolate desserts, which are poison to pets. Dogs and cats do love the aroma and taste of chocolate, so be sure to keep temptation out of their reach.
- Grapes and raisins. Many holiday dinners feature salads made with grapes and raisins, which, according to the ASPCA, are highly toxic to pets. While the exact toxin is unknown, these fruits have been known to cause kidney failure.
Lynn C. Allison ✉
Lynn C. Allison, a Newsmax health reporter, is an award-winning medical journalist and author of more than 30 self-help books.
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