Why Table Scraps Are Bad For Pets

Why Table Scraps Are Bad For Pets

By: PetPlace Staff

Winter is the time for holiday parties and large, traditional dinners. But as much as you may want to include your pet in this fun, feeding him a few treats from the table is not the way. Table food is too fatty for the digestive systems of most animals and can lead to severe stomach upsets, occasionally triggering possibly fatal pancreatic inflammation.

To keep your pet safe this season, remember the following:

  • Chicken and turkey bones are highly dangerous; they can splinter and puncture the stomach or intestines.

  • Don't fill the dog's bowl with table scraps. Most are too fatty for an animal's digestive system.

  • Don't give chocolate to your dog; it can be toxic.

  • Make sure to put garbage into tightly covered cans to prevent your dog from giving into temptation and making a meal of your discards.

  • Call your vet if your pet shows signs of stomach upset - diarrhea or vomiting.

     
    Printable Version
     
    Have a Pet Question?
    Send Your Pet Question to Dr. Jon
    and His Staff of Veterinarians Ask Dr. Jon
    Dr. Jon's Newsletter
    Yes! Send Me the Latest Health Information, Pet Tips, Pet Stories and more...
     
     

    Related Articles

    • 1 Baking For the Holidays for Your Dog

      The holidays are around the corner. Are you planning to cook and bake for family and friends? If so, here are great recipes for your pooch too!

      Read MoreRead More
    • 2 Healthy Dog Treats

      Obesity in dogs is a major health concern. Just as with people, dog obesity can lead to very serious health problems. Finding healthy dog treats is an important part of keeping your dog fit.

      Read MoreRead More
    • 3 Healthy Turkey Treats for Pets

      Thanksgiving wouldn’t be Thanksgiving without a taste of turkey. Here are two recipes for pet-healthy meals worthy of the holiday. Note: These recipes should be considered occasional treats.

      Read MoreRead More
    • 4 Acute Pancreatitis in Dogs

      Acute pancreatitis results from sudden inflammation of the pancreas and is characterized by activation of pancreatic enzymes that can cause the pancreas to begin digesting itself. The cause of acute pancreatitis...

      Read MoreRead More
    • 5 Why Dogs Can't Eat Chocolate

      The worst a Hershey bar can do to you is add an inch to your hips. But that same candy – even in relatively small amounts - can make a dog or cat very sick. Make no mistake: For them, chocolate is poison. ...

      Read MoreRead More
  • Related Articles
    • 1 Healthy Dog Treats

      Obesity in dogs is a major health concern. Just as with people, dog obesity can lead to very serious health problems. Finding healthy dog treats is an important part of keeping your dog fit.

      Read MoreRead More
    • 2 Acute Pancreatitis in Dogs

      Acute pancreatitis results from sudden inflammation of the pancreas and is characterized by activation of pancreatic enzymes that can cause the pancreas to begin digesting itself. The cause of acute pancreatitis...

      Read MoreRead More
    • 3 Healthy Turkey Treats for Pets

      Thanksgiving wouldn’t be Thanksgiving without a taste of turkey. Here are two recipes for pet-healthy meals worthy of the holiday. Note: These recipes should be considered occasional treats.

      Read MoreRead More
    • 4 Why Dogs Can't Eat Chocolate

      The worst a Hershey bar can do to you is add an inch to your hips. But that same candy – even in relatively small amounts - can make a dog or cat very sick. Make no mistake: For them, chocolate is poison. ...

      Read MoreRead More
    • 5 Baking For the Holidays for Your Dog

      The holidays are around the corner. Are you planning to cook and bake for family and friends? If so, here are great recipes for your pooch too!

      Read MoreRead More
     

    Over 10,000 Veterinarian Approved Articles

    Related Articles
    • 1 Healthy Dog Treats

      Obesity in dogs is a major health concern. Just as with people, dog obesity can lead to very serious health problems. Finding healthy dog treats is an important part of keeping your dog fit.

      Read MoreRead More
    • 2 Acute Pancreatitis in Dogs

      Acute pancreatitis results from sudden inflammation of the pancreas and is characterized by activation of pancreatic enzymes that can cause the pancreas to begin digesting itself. The cause of acute pancreatitis...

      Read MoreRead More
    • 3 Healthy Turkey Treats for Pets

      Thanksgiving wouldn’t be Thanksgiving without a taste of turkey. Here are two recipes for pet-healthy meals worthy of the holiday. Note: These recipes should be considered occasional treats.

      Read MoreRead More
    • 4 Why Dogs Can't Eat Chocolate

      The worst a Hershey bar can do to you is add an inch to your hips. But that same candy – even in relatively small amounts - can make a dog or cat very sick. Make no mistake: For them, chocolate is poison. ...

      Read MoreRead More
    • 5 Baking For the Holidays for Your Dog

      The holidays are around the corner. Are you planning to cook and bake for family and friends? If so, here are great recipes for your pooch too!

      Read MoreRead More
    Advertisement
    Advertisement