Treating pets safely

[Crossfire Bulldogs]

By Amy D. Shojai
P'Etiquette

The scent of roast turkey, baked ham, chocolate brownies and all manner of goodies still fills the air. At my house, we'll eat leftovers for several more days. Like most folks at this time of year, our household celebrates the holidays with the three “Fs” - family, friends, and food.

Overindulging at the dinner table may be status quo for humans. But cats and dogs sometimes risk their lives by eating too much or gobbling the wrong thing. And sometimes, we humans get them in trouble when we only intend to offer a special treat.

Don't get me wrong. Snacking from leftover Christmas dinner or other holiday fare may be your cherished tradition, and there are ways you can safely share with your pet. Use caution, though. Table scraps should never make up more than 10 percent of the animal's normal rations. Also be aware that what you choose as a treat for Rex and Sheba and your pets' individual constitution mixes up the rules.

Lean meat and vegetables in moderation usually are fine. But too much fat can predispose susceptible dogs to painful pancreatitis.

Chocolate, especially treats made with Baker's chocolate, can poison pets. Chocolate contains theobromine, a stimulant that puts dogs and cats into heart stopping overdrive that can kill.

Grapes, raisins and some nuts also are considered toxic. Even yeast bread, especially the raw dough, continues to rise inside the dog's tummy, causing severe pain and in some cases death.


Protect your garbage from dumpster diving pets or your wallet may suffer sticker shock with an emergency trip to the veterinarian. Pay particular attention to young pets which tend to be less discriminating in scrounging food.

Pets are just as susceptible to food poisoning as people are so don't be tempted to feed the outdated leftovers to your furry crew.

Dogs especially gulp down non-edibles such as aluminum foil when it's scented or flavored with gravy or grease.

Swallowed turkey bones can poke holes in the intestinal track and/or block the gut.

The string flavored with drippings after being used to move the roast turkey tempts the most placid feline. Once swallowed, the string can cause a slow, painful death.

Don't wait to get veterinary help if you notice any one or more of these danger signs: collapse; string hanging out the mouth or anus (Don't pull! Just get help); “hunching” behavior as though the tummy hurts; pale/white or very red gums; refusal to eat and/or drink; vomiting or diarrhea that lasts longer than 24 hours; unproductive attempts to vomit or defecate.

Even small amounts of “healthy” table food can upset a pet's digestion. Some dogs and cats have sensitive tummies that rebel with any diet change. That results in carpet stains and smells that don't fit into holiday plans. You can find information about removing pet carpet stains at www.shojai.com/articles-index.html.

Vomiting and/or diarrhea from over eating usually lasts a short time, though, and the glutton pet often recovers within a day of the indiscretion. Withholding all food for 24 hours rests the upset tummy and helps speed recovery.

We want our pets to be a part of the holiday celebration. Avoid problems by planning ahead when your furry wonder stares at you with soulful eyes. Provide healthy treats such as catnip for feline friends or Kong and rawhide chews for dogs. Your carpet will thank you.