'Tis two days before Thanksgiving and all of your pets are healthy and happy. Make plans to keep it that way — and avoid unnecessary trips to visit the veterinarian during this busy holiday weekend.Here are a few tips to keep in mind.
- Rich and fatty foods can trigger bouts of pancreatitis, which can be a very serious (and life-threatening) condition in both dogs and cats. You can certainly save some turkey (minus the skin, stuffing and gravy) to cut up small for training treats, but in general, resist the temptation to feed Fido or Fluffy holiday food intended for family and friends. Onions, sage, grapes, raisins, dark chocolate and alcohol are particularly toxic to pets.
- Even if you resolve not to feed pets from the table, be aware that guests will often do so if the pet is begging, just because they don't know better. It is often wise to move pets to a back room (with their beds and toys perhaps) to keep them occupied and safe during mealtime.
- Cooked turkey bones are very brittle and are unsafe for pets to eat, as the sharp edges can tear or obstruct their digestive tract. Don't feed these bones to your dog or cat, and take steps to prevent them from self-serving when your back is turned.
- Thanksgiving trash can contain all sorts of hazards for your pets, including the string used to truss the turkey. Be especially vigilant about where the trash gets left during the holiday season, so that your pets don't find it first.
- Be aware that the arrival and departure of holiday guests can mean doors and gates left open. Be sure your pet is wearing up-to-date identification at all times and that you can manage to avoid any unplanned "escapes".
- And lastly, know that the hustle and bustle of the holidays may be more than your pet can handle, at least at first. If your dog or cat is not familiar with children (or any of your guests for that matter) take the time to handle introductions carefully and supervise as necessary. If either the pet or the guests seem uncomfortable (or overly enthusiastic), it may be wise to use baby gates or other barriers to keep everyone safe and happy.
Happy Thanksgiving!!
Sarah Babcock is the chief of education and training for the Richmond SPCA. To read her biography, or that of our other bloggers, please click here. Before posting a comment, please review our comment guidelines. Please note that our comment policy requires a first and last name to be used as your screen name.
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