Thanksgiving Safety Tips

posted: Thu Nov 21 16:12:21 EST 2013 by: Danielle Badami, DVM Tags: "Clinic Specials" "News" 

If you are hosting Thanksgiving dinner and having family and friends gather together for the feast, there are some hazards that the holiday can pose for your pets.  Your visitors may not realize the potential consequences of offering your pets some table scraps. Whether some foods could be toxic, like grapes, raisins, onions or garlic, or if your pet eats too much of a fatty meal such as turkey skin, gravy, or mashed potatoes, they can be setting themselves up for some major consequences that night or the next day.  Also, be sure to empty your trash in the evening so your pet does not ingest any spoiled food during the night.

Colitis (inflammation of the colon), gastroenteritis (inflammation of the stomach and small intestine) and pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) are the major diseases that can result from our pets being indulged with food they normally don’t eat.  These conditions can cause vomiting, lethargy, decreased appetite and diarrhea. Your pet may need emergency veterinary care or even hospitalization to stabilize them.  We all know how hard it is to resist those sad eyes and drooling lips but you must remember that even though it may be fine for us, it doesn’t mean it is good for your pets.   

That doesn’t mean that we can’t do something special for our pets during the holidays.  Some treats can include setting aside a small amount of potatoes before adding any butter or milk to mix into their dinner bowl. Also, you can cut up a few small turkey pieces with no skin or bones and use them in a Kong or special treat ball for your animal’s enjoyment.  Lastly, don’t forget some quality playtime before guests arrive or buying a special holiday toy that can amuse them while you or your guests are eating or watching football. 

The veterinary emergency hospital is not an enjoyable place to spend Thanksgiving Day, or any day for that matter.  Taking a few precautions can allow you and your family to have a wonderful holiday.