With Thanksgiving coming up, you might be thinking about ways to include your canine companion or feline friend in the celebration. After all, what could most dogs and cats enjoy more than a day that is focused on yummy goodies? Before the holiday gets here, though, it is crucial to familiarize yourself with some foods and ingredients that could be hazardous to your cat or dog. Even your favorite holiday foods can make your furry family member ill — or worse. The compassionate animal medical practitioners at Animal Cove Pet Hospital don't ever want animals to suffer from avoidable health problems. Keep scrolling to uncover a few valuable safety suggestions from a skilled Vet near San Mateo!
Avoid Onions, Garlic, Etc.
Some of your favorite ingredients — including garlic, onions, leeks, scallions, etc. — are all members of the allium family. These ingredients are dangerous to animals because they can cause anemia. Because some pets are more sensitive to members of the allium family than others and could experience severe liver damage, it is best not to share them with any of your furry friends.
Put Bones and Fat in the Garbage Where They Belong
No matter how much your furry family member begs, bones and fat drippings aren't safe snacks. Cooked and raw bones can cause choking, stomach upset, bowel obstruction, and even potentially life-threatening tears. Eating excessive amounts of fat could cause serious health problems like pancreatitis, as well. When preparing your pet's Thanksgiving dinner, lean turkey is the best option.
Save Dessert for Your Human Guests
Several popular dessert ingredients are harmful to pets. Grapes, raisins, xylitol, and, of course, chocolate are all toxic. Even tiny amounts of alcohol in desserts or unbaked bread is dangerous. Your dog or cat shouldn’t eat a lot of sugar, anyway. Safeguard your pet this holiday season by saving the desserts for your human family members and friends.
Reach Out to a Vet near San Mateo
If your furry friend eats something hazardous or toxic, suffers an injury, or needs veterinary attention for any other reason, reach out to a vet near San Mateo as soon as possible. Now is also a good time to schedule a wellness exam to make sure your pet is healthy going into the holiday season. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!