[Baltimore Sun] Ask the Vet: Pass the turkey. Pet-safe Thanksgiving tablescraps

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Thanksgiving week is officially here and I know my pets are looking forward to extra goodies and leftovers. As a veterinarian, I would be remiss if I didn’t discuss the risks of letting your pet indulge with you during the festivities. First and foremost, offering your pet table scraps, or really anything beyond their usual diet always comes with the potential risk of causing GI upset.

GI upset can range from mild diarrhea to more severe issues like hemorrhagic gastroenteritis and pancreatitis, both of which may require aggressive medical intervention and could even lead to death. If your pet has a known history of having a sensitive stomach or if they have previously had bouts of pancreatitis or gastroenteritis, allowing them to indulge during the holidays really should be avoided at all costs. We don’t want your holiday ruined with a trip to the Pet ER.

But, if your pet seems to tolerate the occasional tasty treat without issue I do have a few recommendations for you.

I am judicious as to what I will offer my pets from the Thanksgiving table. Things like bland turkey meat or lightly seasoned mashed potatoes and a small amount of gravy within reason are probably safe candidates to offer to your pet. Foods that are rich in seasoning or flavor, like that delectable sweet potato casserole should probably be avoided as should any turkey that is on the bone as these bones are friable and can be easily crushed into sharp shards which can wreak havoc on a GI tract.

Ultimately, spoiling your pet during the holidays comes down to common sense. As a veterinarian, I try to be realistic in the sense that many pet owners are going to offer their pets table snacks. So hopefully these simple recommendations will help allow you to safely enjoy the holidays with your pet because I’m sure some of you, like me, cannot resist sharing tasty morsels from the dinner table with my furry friends, especially when the spirit of the holidays is afoot.

We’d love to see your pets. Please submit photos of your pets enjoying Thanksgiving with your family.

Ask The Vet is a weekly series by Dr. Devon B. Smith, a Baltimore veterinarian who is an associate at Madonna Veterinary Clinic in White Hall. Send your pet questions or photos via the forms below.

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