Human treats can harm pets
PET BULLETIN
‘Mews and Yips’ from the Central Aroostook Humane Society
By Carolyn L. Cheney
The holidays are coming and the thoughts of delicious goodies are on our mind. Being the kind of people we are who love animals so much, it is tempting at times to want to share all goodies with our dogs and cats.
Forbidden foods for our four-legged friends are many and can be very dangerous if ingested. Sometimes, we give our pets leftovers or what we consider treats. According to various animal web sites, some of the human foods can make an animal very sick and in certain cases be lethal. 
Raw meat and bones should not be given to animals. Years ago one of my dogs managed to pull a chicken carcass off of the counter top. I was able to get him from him very quickly, but he had eaten a few of the bones. I watched him closely for a few days, but we were very lucky. He had no repercussions, but not all pets are that lucky.
Uncooked meat may transmit E. coli, and meat bones can cause serious problems for dogs by splintering, an intestinal blockage, or tears in the digestive system. The best bet is to buy rawhide bones for your dog to enjoy. I never thought of onion and garlic causing problems for pets, but these seasonings can cause gastro irritations. This is more prevalent among cats than dogs.
Beer and wine are extremely harmful for pets to drink. Don’t ever give your pet some beer to see how he will act. It is cruel and could make your animal very ill. Food and drink items containing caffeine/chocolate should never be given to animals as they contain the chemical methylxanthine. If animals ingest this chemical they can become very sick with vomiting, diarrhea, hyperactivity and other unwanted problems.
Avocados contain a toxin called persin, a fungicidal toxin which is harmless to humans, but can be very toxic to animals, causing vomiting and diarrhea. Grapes, raisins and currants can be toxic to our four-legged friends. Fruits such as apples, pears, oranges, bananas and seedless watermelons are fine. It is important that we don’t give them fruits which have pits as the pits can lodge in their throats.
I have never thought of yeast dough being a problem for a dog or cat, but if you have dough rising in a bowl in your kitchen, and your animals are as curious as some of mine have been, make sure they cannot get into the dough bowl. The dough can cause some serious problems, as it would expand in the stomach.
Macadamia nuts and the artificial sweetener called xylitol used in various products — cookies, gum, and most diet products — can cause a very serious reaction in a pet.
I think we all need to enjoy the holidays, but just be very careful when we give our animals treats. If your pets are anything like mine, they are always looking for a treat.
Our Toast to the Animals is coming up very quickly. It is on Saturday, Nov. 19. For tickets, call the shelter. They will also be available at the door. A $15 ticket entitles you to sample a variety of beer and wine and delicious treats, a chance to win one of many door prizes and the ability to bid on some wonderful auction items. Christmas is coming and the auction items make wonderful presents.
The event is at the Presque Isle Inn and Convention Center from 6-9 p.m. You must be 21 years of age to attend. Hope to see you there.
Carolyn Cheney is a member of the Board of Directors of the Central Aroostook Humane Society.
