Roast turkey and stuffing, sweet potato casserole, mashed potatoes and giblet gravy, cranberry relish … oh, and pumpkin pie with whipped cream. This is just a partial list of typical Thanksgiving fare, and it's enough to start most mouths watering.
Thanksgiving is all about abundance and sharing. But if you're thinking of sharing your feast with your pet, think again. This special meal is full of Thanksgiving taboos that can harm your dog or your cat. And nothing can take the life out of your celebration like an unexpected trip to the closest veterinary emergency treatment center.
Cats and dogs are creatures of habit and do not really need much variety in their diet. In fact dietary changes frequently lead to loose stools and other digestive problems. So before you add that extra turkey and giblet gravy to your pet's dish, consider some holiday banquet boo boos.
Things to Keep Off Your Pet's Plate
Pancreatitis occurs when the dog is trying to digest a very fatty meal. During digestion, the pancreas produces enzymes to assist in the digestive process, but with pancreatitis, too many enzymes are produced; as a result the pancreas becomes inflamed and can even begin digesting itself. The symptoms are vomiting and diarrhea, usually bloody. Your dog can become dehydrated and die.
Your Pet Can Go Gobble, Gobble
We all know we shouldn't feed table food to our pets, but it is awfully difficult to keep from sharing, especially when the meal is as special as Thanksgiving. There are a few things you can add to your pet's dinner that won't cause any harm.
So during the holidays, if you choose to share with your pet, the best advice is to use common sense. Stick to foods you know won't cause your pet any distress. Do not feed from the table – save the treats for after the meal. And don't forget to add a little special attention or play time for the best treat of all.
