Tips To Keep Your Dog Safe During the Thanksgiving Holiday
We are only days away from celebrating Thanksgiving. For many people across the country, Thanksgiving includes family, fun and FOOD! The appetizing smells of turkey, stuffing, and gravy may tempt your dog to try to share in the feast, but BEWARE: some of the holiday food can be dangerous for your pet! Here are five simple tips to prevent your dog from suffering during the Thanksgiving festivities.
1. Avoid feeding your dog fatty, highly seasoned food such as stuffing, rolls, gravy and rich desserts. These foods can create a life threatening condition called pancreatitis, which is inflammation of the pancreas, causing leakage of the digestive enzymes whereby the pancreas literally starts to "digest itself." Pancreatitis can be acute (sudden) or chronic (happening over a course of time.) Both acute and chronic forms are very serious and can be life-threatening. The signs of distress that your dog may exhibit can vary from mild gastrointestinal upset to collapse and death. If you believe that your dog has ingested an unusually large amount of meat or rich food, look for the following symptoms, and seek medical attention, if necessary:
• Vomiting
• Drooling
• Painful abdomen, hunched appearance
• Fever or below-normal body temperature
• Diarrhea combined with Anorexia
• Depression
• Dehydration, evaluated by noting sunken eyes, dry mouth, dry cracked nose.
2. Be sure to exercise your dog before the big Thanksgiving Day meal. This will ensure that your dog is very tired and wants nothing more than to crawl into his crate and sleep.
3. To ensure your dog is kept safe during this Thanksgiving holiday period, you should stick to your usual feeding routine. Feed your dog his regular dog food about thirty minutes before guests arrive so that your pet is both tired and full. This ensures that your dog will be much more interested in sleeping than stealing a slice of turkey or pumpkin pie!
4. Make sure to keep all appetizers and other food above your dog's nose level if you want your dog to mingle with your guests.
5. Never leave food wrappers or cartons unattended if your pup is nearby. Dogs who like to steal food are more than happy to steal food wrappers and tin foil to eat when no one is watching!
"These tips have helped my clients have a safe and sane Thanksgiving for years," says Ami Moore, The Dog Whisperer of Chicago. "With a little careful planning you can avoid an expensive trip to the animal emergency clinic the day after Thanksgiving."
Ami Moore The Chicago Dog Expert
www.chicagodogcoach.com
www.dogwhispererchicago.com
