10 Tips for Keeping Your Dog Safe This Thanksgiving

Pay attention to your dog during the busy holiday meal. photo by Maria, Gastonia

North Shore Animal League America, the world’s largest no-kill animal rescue and adoption organization, has a n excellent list of ten ways to keep your dog safe during the hectic family mealtime tomorrow. Here are a few things to look out for:

1. Fatty Foods: Too many fatty, rich, or unfamiliar foods can give your pet pancreatitis or gastroenteritis; two medical conditions that can be very painful and even life-threatening.

2. Diet and Exercise: Maintain your pet’s regular meal and exercise schedule and avoid too many holiday leftovers. A disruption in his dietary routine can cause stomach upset, diarrhea and/or vomiting.

3. Bones: Make no bones about it. Certain bones can lacerate or obstruct your pets’ insides. Save the bones for the broth – not your dog.

4. Onions: Onions and onion powder, widely found in stuffing and used as a general seasoning, will destroy your dog or cat’s red blood cells, which can lead to anemia.

5. Grapes and Raisins: Grapes and raisins contain a toxin that can cause kidney damage to both dogs and cats.

Click here for the full list.

Have a Happy and Healthy Thanksgiving!