Thanksgiving Dog Safety

Don’t Let Your Thanksgiving Meal Harm Your Pooch

That beautiful Thanksgiving table groaning with holiday goodies can actually be a minefield of dangerous choices for your precious pooch. Fatty foods are difficult for dogs to digest. Poultry bones can damage their digestive tract. And holiday sweets can contain poisonous ingredients for our dogs.

So, follow these simple guidelines to keep your pooch safe.

Keep the feast on the table — not under it! 

Eating turkey or turkey skin — even a small amount — can cause pancreatitis. Fatty foods are hard for animals to digest and many foods that are fine for humans are poisonous to pets — such as onions, raisins and grapes.

No pie or other desserts for you dog. 

Chocolate can be harmful for pets, even though they will find it tempting. Just say no! And watch out for artificial sweetener xylitol — commonly found in gum or sugar-free baked goods which can be deadly for your pet.

Yeast dough can cause problems.

 It’s just too rich for them and dogs can develop painful gas and dangerous bloating.

Put the trash away where your dog can’t find it. 

You know your pooch better than anyone so make sure trash is secured where she cannot get it. A turkey carcass with small, brittle bones can be deadly so ensure it is far away from Fido!

Be careful with decorative plants.

Some flowers and festive plants can be toxic to dogs. Be careful with amaryllis, Baby’s Breath, Sweet William, some ferns, hydrangeas and more. Don’t leave them where your pet can get to them. And, know how to help them if they do eat a toxic plant. You veterinarian probably has an emergency hotline. Or you can get help from ASPCA Poison Control Hotline (888-426-4435) and the Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661).

And help your dog by keeping her full of delicious and nutritious food so she won’t be so interested in the foods you’re enjoying. Provide a healthy breakfast of 100 percent organic human grade food and finish the day with an equally yummy and nutritious dinner. Check out www.wagtantrum.com for the best in dog nutrition.