Thanksgiving Hazards and Your Dog

How to ensure that your dog has a safe and healthy Thanksgiving: That cute puppy dog face may beg for a treat during your big feast, but let's avoid a trip to the ER! Here's a few Do's and Don'ts when feeding your pooch from The ASPCA (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals).

1) Make sure the turkey is fully cooked and free of bones. Undercooked turkey may contain salmonella bacteria, and poultry bones can splinter and cause internal damage.

2) Avoid bread dough - uncooked yeast can rise in their belly, cause discomfort, and be a possible a life-threatening emergency.

3) Stuffing goes in the bird not in the dog! Stuffing should be avoided as onions, garlic, leeks, and shallots can cause anemia in pets.

4) Pass on the desserts . Chocolate, raisins, and nuts are all harmful to your beloved pet.

Here's a full list of foods dangerous to your pet.

Other suggestions to keep your best friend safe:

• Don't let your dog lie where food is often dropped. If he is not trained to stay out of the garbage, use a can with a lid, or keep it out of your pet's reach. Dogs are capable of amazing feats when food is involved.
• Make sure your pet can't access food left on counters or tables. After you've cleaned the kitchen, take the garbage out and dispose of it in a secure place where no pets can get into it.
• Watch the door as guests enter and leave. An open door is an invitation for a dog to flee a busy house for the world outside. So as guests arrive and leave, keep an eye on your dog—or, if he's shy and upset by company, keep him in a quieter part of the house during noisy festivities.

Animal Emergency Center of the Quad Cities 563-344-9599.

Have a happy and safe Thanksgiving!

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