Pets should stick to their regular diets during holidays

Jamestown, ND (WDAY TV) - If you're just sitting down for a Thanksgiving dinner, there is one guest you'll want to keep in mind. Better yet, it's what that guest shouldn't eat this holiday.

Sweet potatoes, turkey, and apple pie. All staples of the holiday feast, but there's one member of the family who should stick to his diet.

Although it's tempting to include your pets in the holiday fun, veterinarians advise an extra helping of restraint during the holidays. Jamestown veterinarian Gary Pearson sees more sick pets after the holidays due to what he calls "dietary indiscretion."

GARY PEARSON – Veterinarian: “It's eating things that they are not accustomed to eating and that of course usually isn't the pet's fault as much as it is the owner's fault.”

Pearson said some dogs can handle unusual foods better than others, but there are Thanksgiving risks. Turkey bones can splinter, and holiday foods can cause vomiting and diarrhea, but what if you can't resist that little face that knows there's turkey?

DAWN ENTZMINGER - Veterinarian: “It's best not to do it, but if you can't help yourself, best if you avoid the skin and the bones and just give them a little bit of strictly meat. But best to just stick to the dog food.”

Chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions and salt are other foods harmful to pets.

Tags: teri finneman, pets, food, jamestown, health