Thanksgiving Dinner Pet Dangers

Some Table Scraps Could Harm, Even Kill Them, Warns Dr. Debbye Turner Bell; Her Advice: Don't Give Them Any

(CBS) 

WALNUTS AND MACADAMIA NUTS

These can cause pancreatitis in dogs, resulting severe vomiting and diarrhea.

CHOCOLATE

What would the holidays be without boxes of chocolate and warm cocoa? And, though it may be tempting to sneak your pet a little piece -- DON'T! It can be toxic, or even fatal, to dogs and cats (chocolate poisoning occurs most frequently in dogs, but other animals are susceptible, too). The amount of toxicity depends on the amount of a substance called theobromine in the chocolate. Unsweetened cocoa is usually the most toxic, and milk chocolate is usually the least (the amount found in white chocolate or chocolate-flavored dog treats is usually negligible). Chocolate poisoning requires emergency medical treatment. So, always keep chocolate well out of reach. Just 1/2 ounce of baker's chocolate per pound of body weight can be toxic. It would take a lot more of milk chocolate to do serious damage, but that would still upset an animal's stomach.

TOMATO STEMS AND LEAVES, AND POTATO SKINS

These contain a poison called oxylates that can cause tremors, seizures and dangerously abnormal heartbeat. They can also cause gastrointestinal upset. Cats are especially susceptible to this toxin. Just one cherry tomato can be near-fatal to a cat.

MUSHROOMS

Mushrooms can produce damage to a number of internal organs, including kidneys, liver, and the central nervous system. Seizures, coma, vomiting, even death can occur if a dog eats mushrooms.

CHEWING GUM

Gum and candy containing the artificial sweetener Xylitol can cause a severe drop in blood glucose in dogs. As soon as 30 minutes after eating Xylitol, the dog can begin to show signs of depression, loss of coordination, and seizures.

BEER

The hops in beer are particularly harmful to dogs. While most responsible humans wouldn't knowingly give their dog alcohol, it's a good possibility that, if your dog is left unsupervised, she will get into almost anything, including your alcoholic beverages. Alcohol can cause intoxication, panting, fever, racing heart, liver damage, even coma, seizures and death.

If you notice any change in your pet's normal behavior, contact your veterinarian or local emergency clinic right away. Keep an eye out for vomiting, diarrhea, lack of coordination, depression, excessive salivation, lethargy, or excessive drinking or urination.

IF YOU THINK YOUR PET HAS BEEN POISONED: Seek medical attention immediately. One great resource is the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) Animal Poison Control Center:1-888-4-ANI-HELP or [phone]. The center is the best resource for any animal poison-related emergency, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. It's dedicated to helping animals exposed to potentially hazardous substances by providing 24-hour veterinary diagnostic and treatment recommendations. The Center has specially-trained veterinary toxicologists on-duty around the clock. They also have an extensive collection of scientific journals and books, as well as sophisticated databases available nowhere else. And, the center's clinical experiences collected over the past ten years can be rapidly reviewed for diagnostic and treatment insight.

NOTE: You'll need to give them a credit card when you call (a $60 consultation fee may be applied.)

[oceanmock]

one problem with your otherwise good article is the reference to food TOXINS as ''poisons''. There is a difference - please research your text for next time.

NOTE - the toxic element in avocado is a chemical known as ''persin'' and can be toxic (NOT poisonous!) to many mammals including dogs, cats, swine, sheep, horses, cattle, some avian species and even on rare occasions to humans as well. There are several sites where this info can be found.