Holiday Hazards: Thanksgiving safety tips for pet owners

Written by admin   // November 19, 2012   // 0 Comments

Article courtesy of Seattle Post-Intelligencer

It’s that wonderful time of the year where friends and family gather to consume large quantities of food, socialize, watch football, kids play, teenagers text and dogs hope the aroma from the kitchen is a hint of a bounty for them.

Many well meaning dog lovers can’t resist the soulful eyes of the family dog begging for food so offer up some goodies. Some dogs are experienced beggars as they have learned tenacity works.

This time of year emergency Vets unfortunately see an increase of animal related medical conditions at the clinic.

General Safety Tips for your Pets
1. Plain turkey in small quantities may be ok for a pet. Most pets do not tolerate spicy seasonings very well or large quantity of food. So giving the dog a sampling of everything on the human menu should be avoided.
2. Food high in fat such as the skin of the bird can cause inflammation in our dogs
3. Make sure to dispose of turkey bones where the pet cannot get to it. These bones will splinter when chewed. Bones can get caught in a pet’s esophagus or intestinal track. Could be life threatening
4.Rancid food is full of bacteria and can make a pet very sick, so make sure garbage is not accessible to the pet
5. Turkey stuffing may contain onions, garlic or raisons all toxic to dogs. Included on the list, bread dough, grapes and chocolate, avocados
6. Remind guests not to offer table scraps or appetizers to the dog
7. Manage children and pets. The excitement of the holiday can get the best of anyone.

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