Podcast: Play in new window
BOB HIRSHON (host):
Holiday pet dangers. I’m Bob Hirshon and this is Science Update.
Holiday season can pose a number of threats to dogs and cats. They include toxic plants, like poinsettias and mistletoe, and small objects like tree ornaments, toys and game pieces that pets might eat. But veterinary technician specialist Kelly Foltz at Auburn University’s College of Veterinary Medicine says one of the most dangerous and overlooked threats is something we ourselves may give to our pets: table scraps.
KELLY FOLTZ (Auburn University):
If there’s too much fatty food consumed, like turkey skin or ham, we do see pancreatitis, which is basically inflammation of the pancreas, and it causes upper abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting…
HIRSHON:
And in some cases, death. Fortunately, your pet can avoid a trip to the emergency room if you limit them to treats made specifically for animals – as much as they may want those fatty scraps. I’m Bob Hirshon, for AAAS, the Science Society.
Story by Matt Miller
