Thanksgiving meal should be for people and not pets. Every year after thanksgiving we see several cases of vomiting and diarrhea in pets. Dogs are particularly sensitive to high fat foods, and even small amounts of Thanksgiving dinner can cause a serious and potentially life threatening condition called pancreatitis. Also, some foods that are safe for people, such as onions, garlic, raisins, yeast dough, and chocolate, are poisonous to pets. If you want your four legged family member to have a Thanksgiving treat, only feed treats that are made for pets.

Make sure all Thanksgiving leftovers are put away safely out of reach. Unfortunately we have had several patients need surgery after thanksgiving. We have taken turkey bones, corncobs, strings, bags and meat wraps all out of dogs and cats the hard way (surgically). Usually pets get into the kitchen trash, but many have also just climbed up onto counters or tables while their owners were relaxing after dinner with holiday guests. Please secure leftovers and trash safely away from your pets.

Some pets are nervous or anxious around visitors. These pets should be kept comfortably in a crate or room away from your guests. For extremely stressed pets, your veterinarian can prescribe some natural or prescription calming medication that can help your pet have a Happy Thanksgiving.

Watch for escapees. With all the comings and goings during the holidays, sometimes our furry family members can slip out. Please watch the doors closely and have all pets identified with a microchip or other form of ID.

Keep holiday decorations away from pets. Lit candles can cause burns or be a fire hazard. Pinecones and other holiday décor can cause intestinal obstructions.

If you are traveling with your pet during the holidays, please read our Pet Travel Safety Tips blog.

Happy Thanksgiving from Groveport Canal Animal Hospital