Here’s what not to feed your pets from your Thanksgiving plate

When we think of Thanksgiving, the first thing that probably comes to mind is the food. But what is safe for your pets? Some foods on your plate may be harmful to your dogs or cats.

Dr. John La Bonte, a veterinarian at Las Tablas Animal Hospital in Templeton, says he deals with digestive issues in pets at least once a month.

Around the holidays, pet emergency rooms see a sharp increase in animals that have eaten something they shouldn’t.

“We are concerned about pets getting into the food, especially the turkey and the bones, because bones can cause blockages in the gastrointestinal tract, either in the stomach or in the intestines,” said Dr. La Bonte. “Other things to look out for” because it’s actually just garlic and onions. Garlic and onions are found in many Thanksgiving dishes.”

He says raw vegetables and cooked potatoes without butter or added fat are welcome to share.

“Even if you wanted to cook a sweet potato on the side to make yourself feel better, (you can),” La Bonte said. “We’re concerned about high-fat foods causing pancreatitis in pets, so if you have raw vegetables beforehand that you want to give them, if you’re baking a potato or sweet potato, that’s what I would do.”

In addition to protecting your dog from your plate, La Bonte recommends making sure your trash is kept safe and in a place your dog or cat can’t get to.

If your local veterinarian is closed for the holidays, you can call the ASPCA Animal Poison Hotline at (888) 426-4435 to get information about what your pet needs before coming to the emergency room.