To keep your pets healthy this holiday season I have come up with a few pieces of
advice.
Keep potential foreign bodies out of reach
Anything an animal ingests, that is not digestible, is considered a foreign body. This includes the string used to tie the turkey legs, a large piece of bone or seasonal decorations (among many other things). It often requires surgery to remove a foreign body from an animal's intestinal tract. String, or a linear foreign body, is especially damaging to the intestinal tract and can be life threatening.
Do not give your pets rich or fatty foods Dogs and cats can get pancreatitis or gastroenteritis from eating greasy turkey skin, giblets or anything out of the ordinary, especially if they are not used to eating anything but their kibble. They do not need your leftovers or a special holiday treat. Ask your
guests to refrain from feeding your pets as well.
Keep your pet out of the holiday chaos
Some animals love being the center of attention but can get underfoot and in the way. Other animals just want to hide when the house is full of people. Consider your pet's temperament and find a solution that fits them individually. For shy cats, make sure they have food, water and a litter box in a quiet bedroom. For social dogs, provide them with a dog bed or blanket in a safe spot, so they can be nearby but not underfoot.
Figure out which nearby veterinary hospitals are open for emergencies on Thanksgiving
Hopefully if you are prepared for an emergency, you will not have one!
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving with your pets, family and friends. I hope my advice gets you through the holiday without a problem, giving you one more thing for which to be thankful!
