Dangers of Feeding Leftovers

To most people, the holiday season is a time for families to get together for huge meals. These large meals usually result in a lot of leftovers. Then the question arises about what to do with the leftovers, an easy way out is to give them to the dogs. However, this solution can turn out deadly for your pets.

Your dog probably eats its dog food about 360 days out of the year. Then all of a sudden, here comes a pile of ham, turkey, dressing etc. Since the dog's digestive system is already geared up for the dog food, it is hard for it to digest these other foods. Vomiting and or diarrhea can develop because of indigestion.

Another condition that can result is pancreatitis. This condition is inflammation of the pancreas. When the pancreas becomes

inflamed, it leaks digestive enzymes. The enzymes start to digest the dog's own pancreas. Pancreatitis is very painful, causing vomiting and can result in death.

Another condition that can result from dog eating large amounts of leftovers is gastric dilation and volvulus. In this condition , the stomach fills up with gas and twists upon itself. Without surgery, this condition is always fatal.

So, instead of feeding the dog the scraps, make plenty of turkey and ham sandwiches, hash, casseroles, pot pies, soups........