You love to give your dog Thanksgiving Day leftovers. We get it. Your beloved pooch is, after all, a very important part of your family, and nothing says “I am thankful for you” like a plate full of turkey day table scraps. However, before you load your pup’s bowl down with all of that delicious goodness, consider these key safety concerns.
Fatty foods are bad for everyone… even your dog.
Eating high-fat foods is a common cause of pacreatitis, a sudden-onset disease that is seen frequently by veterinarians during the holiday season. Try to avoid giving your pet turkey skin or fat trimmings from your holiday ham. The most obvious symptoms of pancreatitis include vomiting and lethargy, but contact your veterinarian if your dog is showing ANY signs that you think are abnormal.
Take out the trash.
During the holidays, your kitchen waste basket can hold a world of hurt for your pup. The most common dietary indiscretion that we’ll see coming from your garbage can is turkey bones. These brittle poultry bones will splinter when chewed, putting your pooch at risk for lacerated gums, choking, and even pierced stomach lining.
Essentially, there is nothing in your trash can that is good for your pup. The best thing that you can do is to take out your trash as soon as you can, and avoid the temptation altogether.
Alcohol is harmful to pets.
For whatever reason, beer seems to be especially appealing to some dogs. However, just because they think it tastes good does not mean that it is good for them. In fact, it’s a pretty potent toxin, and it has been known to cause canine death from time to time. The best choice is to avoid giving your pup any form of alcohol at all.
Chocolate is still a no-no.
When it comes to pet safety, the fact that chocolate can be harmful is extremely well-known. However, it still bears mentioning. Don’t let your pup lick the bowl after you’ve mixed your chocolate cake batter, and don’t let him taste the brownies. It’s best practice to just keep your best friend out of the kitchen when you’re cooking.
If you’re hosting a gathering, remind your friends and family to avoid feeding the dog table scraps, and just like any other day of the year, have a phone number handy for the nearest veterinary emergency hospital. You never know what will happen, and it always helps to be prepared.
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