The holidays bring so much fun for family and friends. Even our furry family members are often excited with all the commotion and treats. Many pet owner and their friends are unaware of the deadly consequences for animals during the holidays. Some of the hazards include seasonal decoration, ornamental lighting, ingestion of inappropriate or toxic items, excessive consumption of rich or harmful foods, candle flames and many others.
Before you sit down for the feast you should feed your pet to reduce the risk of begging or stealing. You should also use a gate to seperate them from temptation, leaving them nearby, but with a safety barrier. Purchase a special treat that they can be entertained with while you eat. This is a perfect oportunity to fill a kong with peanut butter or give them a new toy you know they will enjoy.Be sure to warn your guests of the hazards of feeding sad puppy dog eyes. Many friends and family may not understand that the turkey bone will can spinter and cause detremental damage to your pet if ingested.
The Biggest Turkey Day Hazards:
- Rich, fatty foods (Turkey skin, gravy, ect.) can contribute to pancreatitis, inflamation of this digestive gland is very painful and requires emergency veterinary care.
- Cooked bones can splinter and cause tears or obstructions in your pets digestive tract.
- Baking string, if digested.
- Onions can lead to canine anemia.
- Sage and other herbs contain essential oils that can cause gastrointestinal upset and central nervous system depression in your pet.
- Raw bread dough, when heated up by a pup's body, often expands, causing vomiting, servere abdominal cramping and bloating which can become a life-threatening emergency.
- Grape and raisin toxicin can cause kidney failure in dogs.
- Chocolate is toxic to your dog.
- Caffine and alcohol are also toxic.
Preventive measures are the key to avoid these dangers. After you enjoy your feast of turkey, and delicous pies. And you still can't avoid the temptation of involving your pet...add a little bone free turkey, or some veggies to there meal.
Happy Holidays!
