Page 26 THE VILLADOM TIMES II • November 27, 2013 Have a safe and happy Thanksgiving with your pet Thanksgiving is a time for family gath- erings, and is the beginning of the holiday season. Enjoy the holidays with your pets, but beware of the hidden dangers so you don’t spend your holidays at the veterinary hospital. Foods that are too fatty or spicy can cause vomiting, abdominal pain, and even, pancreatitis, which can be life threaten- ing and expensive to treat. Your pet is not accustomed to rich foods, gravies, and spices, and some of these foods can cause serious harm. Pets should not eat the fatty skin on turkey. Tryptophan in the meat can make your pet sleepy. In addition, poultry bones can splinter and pierce your pet’s intestines, causing peritonitis, while larger pieces can cause blockages that often require surgery. Uncooked meat can cause food poisoning from salmonella or E. coli. Cats love to play with string – and to eat it! Beware of the string that ties the turkey. Once a cat starts swallowing a string, the animal’s anatomy makes it difficult to stop. String can form a blockage or literally cut through the intestine. Should you find a tact with a cat, it takes only three days for the cat to experience kidney failure. Even if the cat only sniffs a flower, bulb, or pollen, and then licks his or her nose, kidney failure is likely. Symptoms are weakness, lethargy, vomiting, and loss of appetite. Desserts are yummy, but they are not good for pets. Remember that chocolate and some artificial sweeteners are highly toxic to all pets, and can be life threatening. If your pet eats chocolate, be able to tell your veterinarian how much the animal ate, and whether it was dark chocolate. One ounce string protruding from your pet’s anus, NEVER pull it out. This must be treated by an experienced veterinarian who will be able to tell if the string can be coaxed out or if surgery will be required to remove it safely so the intestine will not be severed. You might think a small potato chip with a little dip is harmless. However, the onions and garlic found in many dips are highly toxic to cats. They can cause gastro- intestinal upset and anemia. Flowers make a beautiful hostess gift, but if any part of a lily plant comes in con- of dark chocolate can kill a 60 pound dog. If your pet has vomiting, diarrhea, or stops eating, be sure to check with your veterinarian and be prepared to let him or her know what your pet has eaten. Although this seems like a lot of bad news, the good news is that now you are aware of several dangers and can prevent harm to your pet and enjoy the whole family this Thanksgiving. This article was submitted by Dr. JoAnne Healey of the Ridgewood Veterinary Hospi- tal. Visit www.RidgewoodVet.com.