Keep Them Safe This Thanksgiving

Truman_Will work for Turkey_Nov 2019_square.jpg

You already know the holidays bring special dangers and stress to our furry companions. Rich foods, floral decorations, gatherings with new people and the general upheaval in routine stress animals and can cause serious illness.

If your pet has eaten anything off-limits, call us or an emergency clinic immediately. We will want to know how much your pet ate, how long ago they ate it and any ingredients you know of, especially onions, grapes and raisins, which can be toxic to dogs.

Symptoms to look for:

  • Vomiting or diarrhea

  • Refusing food and/or water

  • Sudden changes in behavior

  • Lethargy or depression

  • Pain (sudden shaking, abnormal hiding, arching back upward, crying or hissing touched or picked up).

If your pet has eaten food that’s off-limits, call us or an emergency clinic immediately. Take note of the amount your pet ate. If your dog eats chocolate call us immediately and note the type of chocolate (white, milk, extra dark), the amount eaten. Have the packaging handy if possible.

For other potentially toxic items, call the ASPCA Poison Control hotline, which has a powerful database of poisons and treatments.

ASPCA Poison Control Hotline: 888-426-4435.

Tips for keeping dogs and cats safe this season:

  • If it’s on the Thanksgiving table, your pet shouldn’t eat it. Rich foods - even small amounts - can cause serious gastric distress or even life-threatening pancreatitis. Side dishes and desserts might contain toxic ingredients.

  • Have special dog or cat treats on hand to redirect pets away from people food. Tell guests to use the treats so they aren’t tempted to sneak a little turkey skin under the table.

  • Keep food trash completely out of your pets’ reach, and take it outside immediately. No one wants to spend Black Friday at the vet.

  • Watch your pets around flowers and other decorations. Never leave a pet alone in a room with lit candles. Keep floral arrangements out of reach from dogs and cats so they aren’t exposed to potential poisons. Tinsel and other decorations are tempting, but we don’t want animals swallowing anything but their food and water.

Julie Howe