Posted on: Sunday, November 14, 2004
ANIMAL COMPANIONS
Best to avoid feeding animals holiday food
Hawaiian Humane Society
The centerpiece of Thanksgiving is always the holiday table loaded with turkey and all the trimmings, rich gravy and plenty of treats for the family.
Hawaiian Humane Society In addition to the distress caused by vomiting and diarrhea, Thanksgiving foods can even cause life-threatening conditions. "Turkey bones and chicken bones splinter dangerously when chewed," said Takushi. "Put leftovers away promptly and secure the garbage where the animals can't reach it."
Other holiday foods that should be off-limits for all pets include chocolate, especially baking chocolate, which can be fatal to pets, and onions that can cause anemia.
Dogs that eat raisins and grapes often develop upset stomachs which, if not treated properly, can result in kidney failure.
Keep all mammals and birds from digging into holiday fatty foods, alcoholic beverages and yeast dough. Never feed tomato stems or avocado to birds, and avoid using aerosol sprays near them. Inhaling secondhand smoke from cigarettes is toxic to pets, especially birds.
"Your pet's regular food is the best treat during the holidays," said Takushi. "A happy and healthy pet is the best companion. Choose biscuits, cookies or treats made specifically for your type of animal — some extra attention will also make your pet feel special."
If your companion animal does get into the "people food," be prepared — have your veterinarian's phone number handy, as well as the number for a 24-hour clinic, just in case. At Thanksgiving, we give thanks for all of our blessings, including the love of our wonderful pets.
Each year, Dr. Carlene Takushi, veterinarian at the Hawaiian Humane Society, reminds her family and guests that sharing table scraps and fat with family pets can be harmful. "Changes in diet can upset their digestion," said Takushi. "Most people think they are providing the animals with a delicious treat, but the gastric distress that follows is no fun. It's a good idea to mention to your guests — don't feed the animals."
Dr. Carlene Takushi, veterinarian at the Hawaiian Humane Society, doesn't feed Skye "people food."
| Foods not for pets
Alcoholic beverages
The 2005 Pets in Paradise calendars are available now — and are selling fast. Each 60-page calendar has more than 1,100 photos of Hawai'i pets. Proceeds from your $10 donation help care for the animals. For a list of locations where you can purchase calendars, go to www.hawaiianhumane.org.
Tag no. 47254. Celebrate Thanksgiving with a sweet new addition. Pumpkin is an orange tiger cat with exceptionally soft fur. He has snowy white fur under his chin (where he likes to be scratched) and adorable white socks.
Tag no. 46900. This handsome brown dog is about 2 years old. Tall and strong, Travis has an easy-going personality. He is intelligent and ready to learn good manners using positive reinforcement and lots of love. These animals already may have found homes. The Hawaiian Humane Society and McInerny Dog Park at 2700 Wai'alae Ave. are open daily. For hours, directions, special events and to see more pets available for adoption, go to www.hawaiianhumane.org or call 946-2187. Call immediately to report lost and found animals. |
