What Thanksgiving foods are bad for dogs and cats?
Some foods on the Thanksgiving table can hurt a dog or cat.
This list comes from veterinary sources, with what they say to do if your pet eats something on it.
Turkey bones, and the carcass in the trash
- Who
- Both
- Why
- Bones can get stuck in the throat, stomach or intestines, and a splintered bone may need surgery.
Turkey skin, fat trimmings, gravy, drippings, butter
- Who
- Both
- Why
- Fatty scraps can cause pancreatitis, a painful and serious condition, and in dogs, signs can take up to 4 days to show.
Onions and garlic, including in casseroles, soups and mashed potatoes
- Who
- Both
- Why
- They can damage red blood cells, and signs may take up to several days to appear.
Grapes, raisins and currants
- Who
- Dogs, and possibly cats
- Why
- They can cause kidney failure, even in small amounts.
Sugar-free pies and baking with xylitol, and some peanut butters
- Who
- Dogs, and possibly cats
- Why
- Xylitol can cause a fast drop in blood sugar and liver damage.
Chocolate
- Who
- Both
- Why
- It can cause vomiting, tremors and heart rhythm problems, and darker chocolate is more dangerous.
Raw bread dough and unbaked rolls
- Who
- Both
- Why
- Raw yeast dough can rise in the stomach and cause painful bloating, and can become life-threatening.
Alcohol, including a glass left within reach
- Who
- Both
- Why
- It can cause vomiting, trouble breathing and, in severe cases, coma or death.
Macadamia nuts
- Who
- Dogs especially
- Why
- They can cause weakness, vomiting, tremors and trouble walking.
Corn cobs
- Who
- Both
- Why
- A swallowed cob can block the intestines and may need surgery.
Turkey string and trussing
- Who
- Both
- Why
- String can tangle in the stomach or intestines and may need surgery to remove.
Lilies in a centerpiece or a guest's bouquet
- Who
- Cats especially
- Why
- Lilies can cause kidney failure in cats, even in tiny amounts.
One source also says
Pet Poison Helpline says dogs and cats may lap up the salty brine left from the turkey, which can cause salt poisoning.
On turkey
Veterinary sources differ on whether a small bite of plain cooked turkey is OK.
If your pet ate something on this list
- Call your vet, an emergency vet clinic or a pet poison line right away.
- Do not make your pet vomit unless a vet or the poison line tells you to.
Pet Poison Helpline (855) 764-7661 · ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888) 426-4435 (fees may apply)
Is it an emergency right now? See first-aid steps for dogs and cats.
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