Holiday tips pets can be thankful for

Talkin’ Turkey: Giving your furry friends a little nibble of turkey is okay, just be sure that it’s boneless and fully cooked. Raw or undercooked turkey may contain salmonella bacteria, and dogs can choke on bones, which splinter easily.

The SPCA of Texas urges pet owners not to feed bones from any type of fowl to their pets. Bones from cooked turkey, goose, chicken or duck are extremely dangerous. Smaller bones can be more brittle. Chewed bones can splinter and puncture internal organs or choke an animal to death. If your pet does swallow a bone and shows pain or gagging, rush it to your vet or a 24-hour pet clinic.

A Feast Fit for a Kong: While the humans are chowing down, give your cat and dog their own little feast. Stuff their usual dinner—with a few added bits of turkey, dribbles of gravy or vegetables like sweet potato and green beans—inside a Kong toy. They’ll be happily occupied trying to get their meal out, and way too busy to come begging for table scraps.

Sage Advice: This peppery herb makes stuffing taste delish, but sage also contains essential oils and resins that can cause pets to suffer stomach upset and possible depression of the central nervous system. Also, be sure to avoid giving potentially poisonous items such as garlic, onions or chocolate, as well as goodies sweetened with xylitol, which could lead to a sudden drop in blood sugar, causing seizures and even liver failure in some cases.

Guard the Trash: Be aware of uncovered trash containers. Dogs and cats can get hold of "cooking string" and the bones if the trash is not secured.

Battery Power: The holiday season means lots of cameras, radios and other battery-operated electronics. Please don’t leave batteries lying around. If swallowed, they can cause choking or obstruction; if punctured, the chemicals in alkaline batteries can cause burns to the mouth and esophagus.