Hey, guys.

Hello, hello, hello. I am aware by the time you’re reading this, Thanksgiving will be over. But, here’s why I still want to talk about this. First, my family is all about the leftovers the day after we have thanksgiving dinner. So, there will still be some thanksgiving feast leftover. Reason number two is that the dangers we are going to discuss today don’t only pertain to Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving Day is just one where all these foods generally come together in one delicious dinner.

Turkey Skin

That delicious turkey skin that’s one of our favorite parts of the turkey isn’t healthy for our dogs. High fat food, like turkey skin, can be extremely hazardous. The turkey skin often contains various spices, marinade, butter and oils that are difficult for our dogs to digest.

High fat foods, in many dogs, can lead to pancreatitis. Symptoms include abdominal pain, vomiting, and lethargic behavior.

It’s not worth the risk.

Those Cooked

Turkey Bones

Many dog lovers are thrilled to have a bone leftover to give their dog after their Thanksgiving feast. This also brings me back to– this article is important because you may be tempted to give your pup the turkey bones after you’re done eating those yummy leftovers.

Cooked turkey and ham bones are not safe. Cooked turkey and ham bones can splinter in our dog’s digestive tract and require an expensive trip to the emergency veterinarian’s office. We don’t want that.

And, don’t underestimate your pup. There are quite a few dogs who get into these “on accident.” We throw them in the trash and our sneaky, mischievous pups get into the garbage to grab them. Keep an eye out to make sure your dog doesn’t have access to the leftovers.

Onions and Garlic

Onions are more dangerous than garlic, but both could lead to serious health issues. Onions and garlic contain something called sulfides which can cause anemia in our dogs.

Garlic is generally only dangerous in very high quantities, unless it’s processed. Processed garlic is a definite “no-no,” but there are many advantages to natural garlic. We had an article on this last year- it’s a full article on its own. But, if you didn’t read this, I am happy to send it to you.

But, onions. No. That’s bad. No onions. Those aren’t ever good.

Alcoholic Beverages

Obviously, we all know not to share a beer or glass of wine with our dogs.

Many dogs love the taste of beer. If you overhear someone anywhere say, “I share beer with my dog because he loves it,” let them know even though their pup loves the taste, there are some serious health consequences that could come along with it. Any alcoholic beverage, especially the hops found in beer, can result in death.

Nutmeg

Nutmeg isn’t an ingredient commonly discussed in the ‘danger’s’ section of Thanksgiving dinner. But it’s an important one. Nutmeg is generally used as an ingredient in sweet potatoes and pumpkin pie, also usually leftover in many households.

Nutmeg can cause problems with the nervous system and seizures if ingested by our pups. In extreme cases, death has even been reported.

In moderation, pumpkins are an excellent snack for our dog. Your dog could eat a little bit of pumpkin pie, but make sure there isn’t any nutmeg in it. This is also an article which has been written in the past. Please feel free to ask me to send it your way if you don’t already have it.

Nuts

Nuts are a common snack on Thanksgiving, or any large occasion, while people are waiting for dinner to be done.

Walnuts and macadamia nuts are particularly dangerous for our dogs. They’re so dangerous that there’s a name for this; ‘macadamia nut toxicosis.’

Within 12 hours of eating macadamia nuts, dogs are no longer able to stand on their own. Their hind legs are usually first to decline. You may also notice vomiting, tremors, weakness, elevated heart rate, and tremors.

Chocolate and The Dough

Most every dog parent knows chocolate is a ‘no-no’ food. But, did you know that any type of dough is also dangerous? The dough, once consumed by your dog, can expand causing bloating and severe pain. Make sure your dog doesn’t jump up on the counter to grab those rising biscuits.

The Bottom Line

If you think your dog may have ingested anything he wasn’t supposed to, you can call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435 any time.

I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving. And, enjoy the time you have off with your family and pups.

P.S. It’s Black Friday. Be sure to stay safe and have fun shopping.

Until next time.