Moderation and Common Sense Make a Safe Thanksgiving for Pets

Before you dig into your holiday feast and share with your pet, please take a few minutes to read the transcript of our online community’s chat with the ASPCA’s Dana Farbman, CVT, Senior Manager, Professional Communications, and Dr. Eric Dunayer, Veterinary Toxicologist. These two experts gave fantastic advice on how to prevent your furry ones from consuming potentially hazardous “goodies” during the holidays.

Every year, I use sage in my Thanksgiving stuffing. My cat is attracted to the smell—he will jump on the counter to get it. Is sage bad for cats?
—Cynthia

Sage (Salvia species) is considered to be edible in small amounts. However, it and many other herbs contain essential oils and resins that can cause gastrointestinal upset and even central nervous system depression if eaten in large quantities.

Cats are sensitive to the effects of essential oils, so for safety’s sake, I suggest you break the bad news to kitty and keep him away from the sage you are cooking with this Thanksgiving. Have a wonderful holiday season!
—Dana Farbman, CVT

Click here to read the rest of the transcript.

Live Chat With ASPCA Toxicology Experts -- TODAY!!

Has it hit you yet? The holidays are coming! Time to start preparing! And to help ensure that the furry members of your family have a safe and happy season, too, we’ll be holding a live online chat with two toxicology experts from the ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control Center. On hand to discuss how to keep your pets safe from all the potentially toxic “goodies” that enter the home this time of year will be Dana Farbman, CVT, Senior Manager, Professional Communications, and Dr. Eric Dunayer, Veterinary Toxicologist.

Wanna find out how to keep your pets away from your Hanukah chocolates, or which foods from the Thanksgiving buffet are safe to give your pooch? Our chat will be held today, Friday, November 9, from noon to 2:00 P.M. EST, and will take place in our new ASPCA Online Community.