Originally published Saturday, November 22, 2008 at 12:00 AM
Comments (3)
E-mail article
Print view
Holiday feast can dish up trouble for pets
Tempting holiday foods can cause pet-health concerns. A veterinarian offers advice on how to keep your pet safe at the next feast.
The Sun Herald (Biloxi, Miss
At this time of year, veterinarians are especially concerned about what their patients may be eating.
Thanksgiving and Christmas feasts can be a source of tempting handouts or finds in unsecured garbage cans. Feeding dogs and cats foods that they are not accustomed to can cause a number of problems, from simple vomiting, diarrhea or constipation to intestinal obstruction or perforation or pancreatitis. The most serious offenders are fatty meat trimmings, bones and spicy dishes.
Resist the urge to give pets "people food," and also be sure trash is secure. Garbage can add a couple of risks to the picture in the form of bacteria that may proliferate on unrefrigerated food, and food wrappings such as foil that pets may ingest.
One statement I've heard about feeding leftovers time and again that never ceases to amaze me is some variation of "It smelled bad, so I fed it to my dog." If you wouldn't eat it, don't feed it to your pet.
The safest rule is never give your pets human food items. It's natural to want to share with our companions during the holidays, but this can lead to unnecessary suffering, not to mention sizable health-care bills. Purchase healthy treats made especially for dogs and cats, and give your pet a modest treat (not a handful) when you are enjoying your holiday delicacies.
It's "tough love," but you and your pets will be happier and healthier by being careful with holiday foods.
Greg McGrath is a veterinarian.
Copyright © 2008 The Seattle Times Company
Picnics in the Pacific Northwest happen rain or shine
Wine Adviser: Rosés enjoy a boom in quality as well as quantity
Plant Life: Chic raised beds help make growing veggies easy
Northwest Living: One small plot serves as home, shop and town stopping spot

2009 fireworks time lapse
With strict parking rules enforced at this year's July 4th celebration on Wallingford Ave North, less cars and more spectators filled the streets.
Entertainment | Top Video | World | Offbeat Video | Sci-Tech
nwjobs

Post a comment

Michelle Goodman blogs about work/life balance.
Tax tips for new independent professionals
Post a comment
nwautos

Choosing a new compact car? Weigh the impact of your choice on your wallet and on the planet.
Post a comment
nwhomes

Find a new home or condo that fits your lifestyle.
Search New Developments
Builder Directory
- Landmark Smith Tower mostly vacant
- Property taxes: Appeals shoot up in King, Snohomish Counties
- Shooting unveils very different sides of McNair
- Palin links resignation to 'higher calling' and blasts media in Facebook posting
- Former NFL MVP McNair killed
- Hard times for tourist towns means good deals for travelers
- Tukwila residents rally against light-rail noise
- Confessions of an Idol Addict | "American Idols" on tour: Live coverage from opening date
- Quincy Jones remembers "the biggest entertainer on the planet": Michael Jackson
- Plasma and LCD beware; OLED screens ready to go mainstream
- Seattle Mariners at Boston Red Sox: 07/05 game thread
247 - Palin links resignation to 'higher calling' and blasts media in Facebook posting
179 - Hatred for the NBA runs deep, but don't take it out on the players
137 - Tukwila residents rally against light-rail noise
128 - Former NFL MVP McNair killed
113 - Property taxes: Appeals shoot up is King, Snohomish Counties
103 - Tent City on campus: UW stalls decision
101 - Anti-tax rally in Olympia attracts about 1,500
68 - Mariners did their part, now they need help
46 - Megachurch pastor Rick Warren addresses US Muslims
36
- Property taxes: Appeals shoot up in King, Snohomish Counties
- Hard times for tourist towns means good deals for travelers
- Landmark Smith Tower mostly vacant
- Plasma and LCD beware; OLED screens ready to go mainstream
- The People's Pharmacy | Estrogen mimicker found in sunscreen
- Tent City on campus: UW stalls decision
- Toyota's Toyoda scolds execs for emulating U.S. car companies' mistakes
- Tukwila residents rally against light-rail noise
- Outdoor-theater season kicks off at Volunteer Park
- Seattle safety project: A snake shelter on Beacon Hill









