No gravy for Fido
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CA (Nov. 21, 2023) — As families and friends sit down to delicious meals together, turkey, gravy and mashed potatoes are often on the menu. Everyone likes more gravy, right? However, definitely skip adding gravy to your pet’s food.
Gravy, along with poultry skin, is high in fat and can lead to gastroenteritis and pancreatitis. Both are common scenarios around the holidays and can range from a little tummy ache to as severe as needing hospitalization for treatment with intravenous fluids, and anti-nausea and pain medications.
Sometimes, you can treat a mild stomach upset by skipping a meal or feeding a bland diet for a few days. But in severe cases, pets can actually die from gut and pancreatic insults.
Also, it is best to forgo access to the leftover bones from turkey and other meat sources as they can cause gastrointestinal obstructions. They can also splinter and perforate the bowel, etc., leading to surgery, expensive veterinary bills and sometimes heartache.
Cocoa’s a no-no
Chocolate is another potentially toxic food we see more of during the holiday season. In order of toxicity, cocoa powder, unsweetened baker’s chocolate and dark chocolate are generally more problematic than milk chocolate, but all can be toxic in higher quantities.
Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, both of which cause racing heart rates and tremors. The fat in chocolate can also lead to vomiting and diarrhea. At high chocolate doses, seizures and even death can occur.
Other additives in chocolate desserts can add an additional danger to your pet, whether from oils and sugar, nuts or raisins (macadamia nuts and raisins/grapes are toxic to dogs), the low-glycemic sugar substitute xylitol, or even cannabis. I’ll discuss all of these in future columns.
Beautiful but deadly
Plant-wise, poinsettias can cause oral irritation and vomiting. Kitties that nibble on flowers can be at risk for kidney failure.
If you suspect your pet has ingested a substance that could be toxic, start with an immediate evaluation at a veterinary clinic or call a pet poison hotline. The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, at 888-426-4435, will start a case number for you when you call. Your veterinary staff will also be happy to call them for you when you arrive at the clinic.
Here’s to a safe and happy holiday season for humans and pets alike.
New Pioneer columnist, Micki McCabe, DVM, DACVIM, FAAVA, is a long-time Clayton resident. The recently retired local veterinarian has an interest in internal and integrative medicine. Email questions and comments to drmccabevet@gmail.com.
Micki McCabe
Micki McCabe, DVM, DACVIM, FAAVA, is a long-time Clayton resident. The recently retired local veterinarian has an interest in internal and integrative medicine.