Sick Cat (Photo : Twitter)
Thanksgiving has been a nationwide holiday in the United States since 1863, and today centers on traditions such as the Macy's parade, NFL football games, and a spirit of thankfulness. It is also the time of year when Americans enjoy a cornucopia of foods to celebrate the fall harvest, including roast turkey, bread crumb stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, homemade rolls, and pumpkin pie. However, animal rights groups such as the Humane Society warn that just as humans can get a stomachache after the yearly November feast, pets such as dogs and cats can also become sick from holiday meals.
The Humane Society cautioned that even small amounts of table scraps can make pets sick. Turkey and chicken bones can break into tiny pieces that get stuck in the pet's throat. Meanwhile, the salt in ham bones can cause cats and dogs to have a stomach-ache, according to KSDK.
Other foods should be used for Thanksgiving leftovers instead of pet food. They include raw bread dough (could rise in stomach), cake batter (contains raw eggs), fat drippings from the turkey pan, and pumpkin pie filling. Such foods can cause health effects such as stomach-aches, diarrhea, and central nervous system (CNS) depression.
The good news is that pet owners can feed canines, felines, or other animals a special treat on Thanksgiving Day. They should just keep some key things in mind.
Dr. John Varga is a New York veterinarian. He explained that cats are carnivores, so they like eating meat and are used to it. Dogs are omnivores, so they can eat both meat and vegetables.
However, there are certain natural foods that are unsafe for cats and dogs. They include rosemary and sage (especially for cats), raw onions and garlic, and fruits such as grapes and raisins that could cause kidney failure, according to My Twin Tiers.
Here's how to make some Thanksgiving dog treats:
