Dr. Doug Mader's - "To Your Pet's Health"
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Feeding Pets Thanksgiving Leftovers Is Hazardous to Their Health

By Dr. Doug Mader

Dear Solares Hill Readers,

Every year at this time I warn my readers about the dangers of the holiday season for pet owners. This letter was sent to me several years ago, and its message is worth repeating.

Q. Last year I almost lost my old dog Sheeba over Thanksgiving weekend. I did something that I thought was innocent at the time but turned out to be quite stupid. After the family turkey dinner was over I gave Sheeba a big plate of leftovers, thinking that she would like the treat. During the night she started acting funny but I didn't think much of it at the time. By the next morning she was bloated and depressed, and I had to take her to an emergency veterinarian. The doctor said that she almost died, and it was because of the table food. This was good food. None of the people that ate it got sick. Why did my dog get so ill? You might want to pass this on to your readers so they don't have to experience the same scare.

-- Sheila H. Key West

A. I'm sure that your food was quite good! However, most people are used to eating foods high in fat and cooked with a lot of spices and salt. So, aside from the danger of overindulging and having to loosen the belt a notch, people rarely get anything but a mild case of indigestion after a big holiday meal. Unfortunately, dogs (and cats) usually respond differently to dietary indiscretion.

Animals in general are creatures of habit. For the most part a pet's diet is usually the same on a daily basis. Although this may seem boring to most people, it is quite natural and healthy for a pet. When a change in the diet happens abruptly, such as in a generous helping of table scraps, it is not uncommon to see severe indigestion and bloating. That is why when switching from one pet food to another kind, it should be done gradually over a period of a week or two.

Probably of more significance is the effect of supplemental table scraps to the older pet. Many senior pets, especially those with age-related heart, liver or kidney disease, are unable to handle foods high in fat, protein and salt. Turkey, stuffing and gravy are classic examples of these ingredients.

Every year on the Friday after Thanksgiving our hospital sees at least one case of pancreatitis. This occurs when a dog eats food it is not used to eating, specifically food high in fat. The pancreas, the organ responsible for producing the digestive enzymes necessary to digest and process fat in the diet, goes into overdrive, and the animals become deathly ill.

If you feel compelled to give your pet a Turkey Day treat I would suggest giving only a small amount of skinless turkey breast, chopped into small pieces and added to their normal diet. Stuffing, candied yams and apple pie are definitely on the "forbidden" list. Do yourself and your pet a favor and leave off the gravy.

Dr. Mader is an ABVP board certified veterinary specialist practicing in the Keys. Send your questions to Mvh525@aol.com.