Veterinarians warn against giving holiday table scraps, leftovers to dogs and cats

SIKESTON, Mo. -- It's a natural inclination to give pets leftovers and table scraps.

But as the holiday season begins, veterinarians say that's one of the worst things that people can do.

"I recommend that, as hard as it is, we practice 'tough puppy love,'" said Dr. Brian Heuring, veterinarian at the Delta Veterinary Clinic in Sikeston. "I know that we want to spoil them like we spoil ourselves, but we aren't doing them a favor if we feed them off the table or give them scraps."

Dr. Steve Williams of Animal Health Center in Sikeston agreed. "Every Turkey Day and Christmas Day in the past, we've been in here working on people's pets," he said. "Owners think they're doing no wrong."

Two of the worst things for a pet are spices and foods with high fat content, Williams said.

"I would totally stay away from anything spicy," he said. "The spice can upset a dog's stomach to no end."

Foods with high fat content can lead to pancreatitis, a serious inflammation of the pancreas that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain and even death.

"It's unbelievable how many cases of that we're seeing," Williams said.

Heuring said he routinely sees dogs with that condition. "It's also caused by stress and eating something they're not used to eating," he said.

Just as with humans, holiday gatherings can take a toll on animals.

"There are more people around, which gives added stress to animals' lives," Heuring said. "Especially for cats, who are used to always doing the same thing."

Heuring said that not only sets up pets to act out of character and perhaps bite, it can also lead to irritable bowel syndrome.

There's another piece of bad news for dogs this holiday season: Veterinarians don't recommend bones ever be given.

Occasionally, a bone will become an obstruction, with fatal results, Williams said. Bones can also get stuck in the roof of the mouth, and some splinter, which can lead to intestinal perforation, he added.

Williams did note, however, that pumpkin pie is good for dogs and cats because of the high fiber content.

In addition to not feeding the scraps to pets, Heuring said, it's important to keep the trash somewhere dogs and cats can't reach.

"They're sneaky and have a good nose," he said. "It's amazing how pets can sniff the smallest treat in the bottom of the trash bag."

In addition to the regular holiday fare, Heuring said, baking chocolates, macadamia nuts and grapes can be dangerous for pets.

Aside from food dangers, the holiday season can present other hazards for dogs, such as strands of lights.

"Cats especially like to climb trees, and the light cords need to be kept high enough where dogs can't get to them," Heuring said. Both animals have been known to chew through cords, resulting in electrocution.