Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Thanksgiving Pet Tips by Dr. Kristel Weaver


Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays because it is all about the food.  Of course getting together with family and watching football are also highlights.  I have compiled a few tips to keep your dogs and cats healthy this Thanksgiving.
  • Avoid giving your pets rich fatty foods.  Dogs and cats are at risk of getting pancreatitis or gastroenteritis from eating turkey fat or buttered mashed potatoes.
  • Avoid giving turkey bones to your pet as they can lead to choking, splintering, or an intestinal obstruction.  The risks far outweigh the benefits.
  • Be sure to get any baking strings right into the trash.  If eaten, they could cause a linear foreign body which means surgery and an extensive recovery time.
  • Avoid feeding raw turkey meat or parts.  Any raw meat, and especially poultry, carries the risk of salmonella poisoning, abdominal cramping, and severe diarrhea.
  • And as a reminder, dogs cannot have onions, grapes/raisins, or chocolate any time of the year.
For some extra tips to help train your dog during a holiday celebration check out the following article from our Pet Health Library: www.webvets.com/PDF/Dog%20Training%20Tips%20at%20Thanksgiving.pdf 

I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving with tasty food, close family, and plenty of couch time!

Bishop Ranch Veterinary Center & Urgent Care's holiday hours are the following:
  • Wednesday, November 24th      7 a.m. - 10 p.m. 
  • Thursday, November 25th          CLOSED
  • Friday, November 26th              7 a.m. - 10 p.m.
  • Saturday, November 27th          8 a.m. - 8 p.m.
  • Sunday, November 28th            8 a.m. - 8p.m.

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