Unlike 4th of July and Halloween, Thanksgiving is a holiday I always look forward to. Lots of people at my house to play with me, plus tons of opportunities for mooching food. Here are some things for dog owners to consider this holiday season to keep us dogs safe and healthy (source: dogs.thefuntimesguide.com):
Can Dogs Have Turkey?
In case you're wondering, yes you can give your dog some turkey and even a little gravy.
When placing the meat in his bowl, be sure to remove all pieces of bone. Dogs and turkey bones aren't a good combination. Just like chicken bones, turkey bones splinter and can cause blockage or perforation of the intestine.
Also use caution when feeding your dog turkey skin. It's great for a treat, but too much can cause a case of canine pancreatitis. This causes severe diarrhea and vomiting which can lead to dehydration. Other symptoms include: severe pain, refusal to eat, crying, weakness and irritability.
Other Thanksgiving Dangers For Dogs
Never leave turkey or other foods on the table or counter where your dog can get to it while everyone is enjoying the festivities.
If your dog has a dog run, kennel, or crate, your best bet is to keep him safely inside it until all of the food has been put away and the scraps and bones disposed of.
Other Thanksgiving dangers for dogs include turkey pop-ups, string, skewers, cellophane wrap, tin foil and plastic bags. The best way I've found to dispose of these things is in metal coffee cans with a tight-fitting lid.
Once the meal is over, place turkey bones in the garbage and remove the garbage bag from the room. It should immediately be placed in a garbage bin -- where it can't be accessed by pets or wildlife.
As a reminder, dogs and alcohol don't mix either.
Signs That Something's Wrong
If your dog eats excessive turkey or other foods dangerous to dogs, it may take up to a week before symptoms are evident.
Most symptoms of food-related illnesses in dogs include depression, diarrhea, loss of appetite, vomiting and bloat.
Canine bloat can be fatal if not treated immediately. Bloat is caused by excess fluid and/or gas in the intestines and stomach. This can cause the stomach to dilate and rotate. Rotation of your dog's stomach is known as gastric torsion. This is common in larger dogs that have a deep chest. It is a life-threatening condition. Symptoms of bloat in dogs include excessive salivating, lethargy, stomach distention, rapid pulse, retching and weakness.
In Case Of Emergency...
If you think someone gave your dog too much turkey or table food, contact your vet immediately. The same is true if your dog got into the trash and ate something he shouldn't have.
Since most vet offices are closed on holidays (including Thanksgiving), you should have an emergency contact number on hand. Most likely, this will be the nearest Pet Emergency Center.
Be sure to caution your Thanksgiving guests about giving turkey and other table food to your dog. Insist that there be no sharing... and stick to your guns!
]]>
