Can you believe it’s already November? It’s almost Thanksgiving! Where has the year gone? We can’t help you with that one, but we can offer you advice about what food you can and cannot give your pets this holiday season. We know…it’s sometimes tempting to share your table food with your loving, begging pet. It’s not always the best idea though – especially if you don’t know what ingredients were added to the dish.

Below is a list of the No-No’s to remember when you offer your food:

• Does the food contain onions? Watch out! These delicious veggies can be harmful if ingested by your pet. If you think there’s onion in the food item, don’t give it to your pet! Onions, garlic and chives can possibly damage red blood cells causing anemia.

• You know that chocolate is bad for Fluffy, yes, but does your niece know this? Be sure to remind holiday visitors about pet food hazards. A lot of people think that they are doing you or your pet a favor by offering something “tasty” to your pet. Remind them that it’s not a good idea to offer un-approved food items. Tell them to pet Fluffy lovingly instead!

• Grapes and raisins are not to be offered to your pet! This is a big no-no. This rule is not to be taken lightly. If you are serving grapes or raisins this year, avoid any spills onto the floor. You never know what those sneaky pups will scoop up.

• But dogs love bones, right? Well…they love them until the small slivers of bone remain in the stomach lining or throat and cause multiple problems. Fat trimmings and bones should not be given to the dog. Be sure and inform all of your holiday visitors. Giving bones to the dog has long been a favorite among many people, but over the years we’ve found it to be more trouble than it’s worth.

• Milk is another one that people don’t realize is harmful. Some pets can tolerate lactose and others cannot. Don’t risk it. Milk can cause gas, diarrhea and/or vomiting.

• Do people really give their pets alcohol? The answer is yes. But our recommendation is no. Alcohol, ingested accidentally or intentionally, can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, coma and possible death for your beloved pet. Avoid alcohol consumption all together!

What can you give your pet? Turkey is okay for your pet as long as it doesn’t have onions, onion flakes, skin, fat or bone. You can also give your pet fruits like apples, carrots and blueberries. Remember that there are a lot of nutritious treats on the market that are perfectly fine to give your pet. Perhaps sticking with those treats designed for your pet is the best choice.

Have fun this holiday season! Be safe and remind others not to offer your pet table food. Stay tuned for our next post about Loving and Loyal Dachshunds!

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