Expensive Dr. John,
With two youngsters in faculty and one in every of their pals coming dwelling and with a brand new Labrador Retriever pet in the home, what precautions do we have to take with Thanksgiving meals with the canine? He likes to get into every kind of issues and can eat absolutely anything! I’ve learn that somewhat little bit of turkey and stuffing might be protected to provide to them. Are there different meals that may even be OK to provide to the pup? I ponder if I additionally want to cover the rubbish as he has knocked it over a number of occasions already to get into issues. J.F.
Expensive J.F.,
Having a pet makes it that extra necessary to watch out and watchful of what they could ingest. Too many puppies and even grownup canine find yourself in emergency amenities throughout or simply after Thanksgiving as a result of ingestion of meals which have brought on issues.
One may see vomiting, diarrhea, choking on bones, pancreatitis, kidney points, anemia, bloat, and extra. Make sure to put the rubbish in an inaccessible place so the smells of meals scraps in there is not going to tempt him and result in him knocking it over and consuming no matter he finds. Don’t go away meals on low tables the place the canine may seize them. I communicate from private expertise. Labs are extra infamous than many breeds for consuming absolutely anything.
Make it possible for your kids and friends perceive the dangers and warning them in opposition to giving the canine scraps or treats on their very own. Too usually, a canine will play as much as every individual to get meals from them and added all collectively can result in issues. You can provide him a small quantity of plain unseasoned turkey, pumpkin, candy potato, or plain greens similar to inexperienced beans. Make sure to keep away from any turkey bones, turkey pores and skin and gravy that are very fatty, and stuffing particularly if it has onions, raisins, or a whole lot of garlic in it. Darkish turkey meat is extra fatty than chicken so stick with the chicken, whereas ham is simply too salty and isn’t a good suggestion to provide to a canine. Sweets similar to cranberry sauce, pies, candies, and most wealthy desserts also needs to be averted. Have a contented and protected Thanksgiving!
Dr. John de Jong owns and operates the Boston Cell Veterinary Clinic. He might be reached at 781-899-9994
