Thanksgiving Tips!

          Thanksgiving is just days away, and for many of us, this is our favorite meal of the year! But with the smell of turkey and pumpkin pie in the air, your pets will be curious and wanting to try some of that yummy turkey too! Here are a few tips to for a fulfilling Thanksgiving that both you and your pets can enjoy!

          If you decide to feed your pet turkey, make sure it’s boneless and well-cooked. Don't dish out raw or undercooked turkey. It may contain salmonella bacteria, which is harmful for pets and humans! Same goes for cake batter which may contain raw eggs!

          Speaking of uncooked food, never give pets raw bread dough. When raw bread dough is ingested, an animal's body heat causes the dough to rise in the stomach. As it expands, the pet may experience vomiting, severe abdominal pain and bloating, which could become a life-threatening emergency, requiring surgery.

          Spices and herbs can make your Thanksgiving meal delicious, but they contain essential oils and resins that can cause gastrointestinal upset and central nervous system depression to pets if eaten in large quantities. Cats are especially sensitive to the effects of certain essential oils.

          We often want to spoil our pets, and when Fido is begging for a bite, it can be hard to resist that sweet face! Now a few small boneless pieces of cooked turkey, a taste of mashed potato, or even a lick of pumpkin pie shouldn't pose a problem. But don't allow your pets to overindulge, as they could wind up with a case of stomach upset, diarrhea or even worse—an inflammatory condition of the pancreas known as pancreatitis.

          Offering your pet a toy or treat can make it feel like they have their own little feast. Even offering them a toy such as a Kong toy where you can stuff a few small amounts of turkey or mashed potato into it would be a delight for any pet!

          Placing your pet in a safe area away from all the commotion may be a good idea! This will prevent them from possibly darting out the door when guests arrive. It may also prevent some accidents! Trying to cook a meal with pets around can sometimes end in disaster! They may be hovering around your feet, and could possibly be a trip hazard. It is always a good idea to keep them away from a hot stove as well.