Don't Spend Your Holiday Weekend at the Vet

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving Day. Who isn't looking forward to great food shared with great friends and family? Well unless you want to spend Thanksgiving night or Black Friday in the vet's office or emergency clinic, you should be cautious before letting your four-legged family members join in the feast.

Every year, dogs and cats end up in the vet for post-Turkey day problems.

• Foods that are fatty and high in sodium like turkey (especially the skin) and ham can wreak havoc on the digestive system of a dog. Vomiting and diarrhea can be signs of pancreatitis, which can become very serious and costly to treat in severe cases.
  
• Avoid feeding any bones to your pets. These can become lodged in the esophagus, splinter and perforate the GI tract, or cause a blockage in the intestines which may require surgery.
  
• Grapes and raisins found on hors 'douevres platters and in stuffing and desserts can cause kidney failure in pets and should not be given.
  
• Also watch for pets getting into the trash for tasty morsels and packaging which can cause intestinal blockages.
  
• Look for signs that your pet is stressed by the visitors to your home. A houseful of unfamiliar people, small children, or visiting pets can make even the most well-adjusted pet anxious, afraid or even aggressive, especially when there is a large amount of food nearby. You certainly don't want your dog or a family member to spend the holiday in the ER because of a dog fight.
  

It is great to have pets around us at the holidays. They are part of our lives, and part of our families. Be thankful that they are able to share in your family's joy this holiday season. Exercise self control when your pup is begging for scraps on Thanksgiving. Remember that your dog doesn't understand that eating a whole plate of turkey giblets is not good for him, so it is up to you to keep them safe.

If anything doe happen, we'll be here Thanksgiving Day, and all through the weekend if you need us. Here's to you and yours having a safe, healthy, and happy Thanksgiving, free of trips to the vet's office.