Holiday feasts may add pounds to your frame and make you reach for an antacid, but they can kill your pet.
The Humane Society of Santa Clara Valley warns pet owners to avoid feeding their animals holiday goodies, no matter how effectively they beg.
Turkey, ham and gravy are full of fat. "Fat can cause a life-threatening inflammation of the pancreas," warns Christine Arnold, executive director of the Humane Society. "The turkey carcass is a hazard in itself because of the bones, the twine, the cooking thermometers, aluminum foil and bacteria."
Turkey bones can puncture an animals esophagus, stomach or intestine. The string used to tie turkey legs may be delicious to your cat, but it can get caught in his intestines and cause a serious blockage. Chocolate is especially dangerous. It contains a chemical called theobromide, which can harm a dog's heart and nervous system. One ounce of baker's chocolate could kill a 10-pound dog.
Keep the holiday goodies out of reach and offer a treat made for pets instead.
This article appeared in the Saratoga News, Wednesday, December 6, 1995.
©1995 Metro Publishing Inc. All rights reserved.