"Can We Eat Yet"? Thanksgiving Safety Tips

As we anticipate a scrumptious Thanksgiving feast and the gathering of family and friends, you can bet your best four-legged friend will be just as excited as you are by the tantalizing smells.

As much as we want our canine kids to partake in the delicious fare, there are certain items on the menu that our pets should really avoid. Animal hospitals experience an increased number of emergencies after the holidays due to digestive problems caused by humans who share too much with their pets (ham, gravy, turkey skin, bones, chocolate, etc).

To help your dog get through Thanksgiving safely and still have some fun- follow these tips!

No Cooked Bones

Cooked bones of any kind can pose a huge danger. They are sharp and can potentially splinter and cause a dog to choke or damage intestines. Keep bones and the turkey carcass out of reach so your best friend cant make out like a bandit with it!

Don't Overdo It

Avoid feeding your dog a busting plate of turkey, mashed potatoes, etc. Overindulging in fatty foods can cause an upset stomach, diarrhea or lead to Pancreatitis. Stick with a little bit of skinless, boneless turkey on top of your dog's normal food and avoid turkey skin which can harm their digestive system.

Know What's Toxic To Our Canines

Make sure your pet stays away from any dishes incorporating onions as they are toxic. Certain herbs (when eaten in large quantities) such as Sage can also upset the tummy or even cause damage to the central nervous system. Also avoid feeding raw turkey as it can harbor salmonella!

Keep An Eye On Your Cocktail

Some dogs go crazy for alcoholic drinks! Don't leave your drink unattended on the coffee table or anywhere else in reach. Dogs can become very ill and disoriented if they get a hold of booze (there have been cases of comatose and even death due to doggie alcohol consumption).

Kong It Up

Fill a kong with your dog's normal food and then add small amount of boneless turkey. You don't have to go overboard and can still keep your best friend happily occupied while you enjoy your meal. A long walk before the big celebration can also help keep canine energy levels down through all the excitement! It will be good for you to!