Thanksgiving - Have Fun, Be Safe
At our yearly Thanksgiving dinner, my mom used to recall the story of the one year she and my dog spent Thanksgiving alone together. Mom made herself a HUGE plate of leftovers that someone brought her. Then she left the room for a few minutes. When she returned the plate was perfectly clean and my dog was licking her chops. My dog did just fine - after withstanding the wrath of my mom. It's a good thing she really loved my dog! That was many years ago and we learned to be extra careful since then. I know we got lucky that time - my dog could have gotten pretty sick.
Each Thanksgiving, tons of dogs get very sick from eating rich, fatty foods or getting into decorations. Others run off because a guest left the door open - returning with injuries or becoming lost. Veterinary emergency clinics get pretty busy this time of year with cases that could have been avoided with some extra attention to details. Thanksgiving in the US is just a few short days away! By now I am sure you are all geared up for the holiday and have your plans set. If you plan on spending Thanksgiving with your dog, remember to play it safe - keep an eye on your dog, the food, the decorations and the doors!
This year, Mom is no longer with us. So, we will say a toast to her and tell the story in her honor. Meanwhile, I will make sure my dog never hijacks anyone's Thanksgiving dinner again! Do you have any fun stories about your dog's holiday adventures? If so, I would really love to hear them!
Photo Chris Amaral / Getty Images
Comments
What can you tell me about clearing a possible GI obstruction from a large lab. He is eating a little and stools are small. Surgery and scope are out of price range at this time.
Hi Matthew,
Unfortunately there are no tips I can offer about this – I think your dog needs to be seen by a vet ASAP, at least for an exam. How certain are you that it is an obstruction? Stools will actually be smaller when your dog eats less, so there might be something else going on causing a decrease in appetite.
Good luck – let us know what happens!
Jenna – Dogs Guide
Moki was a mutt we found wandering the streets one day and adopted him into our house. He was the best dog we have had. I remember one Christmas I had bought treats for 5 of our dog friends and put them wrapped under the tree with our other presents. On Christmas morning I found all 5 of them opened and eaten.
Have you cleaned the anal gland?
Using a pair of rubber gloves use a bit of vaseline or KY jelly, and insert your finger into his rectum. The glands are on either side of the anus. There will be a bit of buildup there. Just clean it out.
Other then that, please ensure that your dog, (any dog) does not have access to all the forbiddens…
I have a list of those within my blogs.
I hope you can bring it up.
If your dog has been around ANY of those things please get him to the vet soon.
At any rate, at this point, your dog does need medical attention.
Best of luck.
XOXO
Anne
Is turkey safe for dogs and cats to eat?
Hi Linda,
Turkey in very small amounts can be okay for most dogs. The white meat is better because it is lower in fat. If you do give some to your dog, make it is the size of a dog treat, not a meal. Also – be sure to remember: NO skin or bones, and hold the gravy!
Jenna, Dogs Guide