Happy Dog-safe Thanksgiving! November 26 2014

Thanksgiving can present special challenges for your pets,
with all the food, people and hubbub in their surroundings.

Feeding dogs on Thanksgiving.

Here are a few things to watch out for on this holiday:

While a piece of turkey here, and a yam there may seem harmless, changing your dog’s diet all of a sudden or even just overindulging them - especially with high fat, high sodium foods - can cause digestive upset, vomiting, diarrhea or even pancreatitis or bloat - both, potentially life threatening.

Ask your guests to PLEASE not feed your pets. Assure them that as cute or pathetic they may make themselves look - so talented - they will indeed have their own special treat with their dinner plate. (Please don’t forget their dinner, and perhaps an extra biscuit after!) 

Turkey bones can splinter once cooked. These can cause injury to the esophagus, stomach or intestines and can even become lodged and cause a life threatening obstruction. Aluminum foil, plastic wrap and wax paper with food residue may be ingested and can also cause obstruction. Be sure to throw these in the trash and keep your trash secure!

Chocolate can be harmful to your pets. Be sure chocolate is far from their reach. Remember, your pets can become acrobats when there are especially enticing foods around, so keep foods WELL out of their reach!Chocolate toxicity symptoms include rapid breathing and hyperactivity.

Try to keep to your pet’s schedule to reduce stress. Make sure they have regular potty breaks, plenty of fresh water, their meals and a few toys or safe chews they are used to. Pay attention to your pets as much as possible so they don’t feel neglected or afraid by all the goings on.

If you will have guests coming in and out, be sure your pets have a safe and quiet place to retreat to and that they can’t escape out the door. Keep their tags on, just in case, and have at hand their photo(s) and registration information should they happen to make their way out.

HAVE A VERY HAPPY AND SAFE THANKSGIVING!

Your canine confectioner,
Annette, Lambchop & Starr
Biscuits by Lambchop

Re-post from 11/2008