Their eyes are wistful.
If they've got a tail, it's probably wagging.
Be strong. Be courageous.
It's time for the Holiday Food Test.
Chocolate is Trouble
Most animals would be chocoholics if they could get their paws,
claws, or jaws on some. Chocolate contains theobromine which can
be potentially fatal to dogs. You don't want to find out if your
dog is susceptible. Chocolates and other candy can cause your pet
severe stomach pains or even a fatal reaction. Don't give in to
"just one won't hurt." Enough at that one time, or even over time,
can be fatal. All kinds of chocolate must be avoided: baker's, semi?sweet,
milk, dark. The foil wrapper on a candy (like Hershey Kisses) can
be like a razor if it is swallowed.
It's Not Funny, It's Sick
Remember through all the festivities, animals and alcohol DON'T
mix. Alcoholic beverages are toxic to our pets. Not even a lap or
two to "see what happens." (It'd be a good idea to watch your own
intake as well. Your pets need you to be responsible every day.)
"It's Too Good for Dogs"
If my Cocker Spaniel begs for table scraps, I trot out our family
saying, "It's too good for dogs," (as I eat the stuff that goes
directly to my hips.)
Avoid giving them rich, fatty food (the stuff
holiday legends are made of). It can be harmful or toxic to pets.
This includes (yes, I hear you groaning, oh soft-hearted one)
animal skin, fat, turkey, ham, roasts. It's just too much for
their intestinal tracts.
BONES ARE DANGEROUS! Especially poultry bones.
Poultry bones splinter easily. Each year thousands of pets are
treated for consumption of splintered bones, causing pain and
sometimes death. Rule of thumb: Your dog can have a bone if it's
bigger than he is. (A quote from a friend's vet.)
"It's Just Food"
What? No gravy? No drippings? Besides chocolate
and alcohol, read below for foods your pet must avoid. People food
and seasonings are not designed for animal digestive systems.
Avocados (toxic to birds, mice, rabbits, horses,
cattle, and dairy goats)
Moldy foods
Tips:
Your beloved animal friend does deserve a treat! Show him you love
him with these ideas below. Keep your favorite furry friend bright-eyed
and bushy-tailed (if they have a tail).
Buy some pet bakery specialties that are healthy
to have on hand.
Give him an early holiday present of a dog chew
or cat toy.
Keep your pet on his regular diet and caution
visitors against giving your pet "special treats." Yes, keep an
eagle-eye on all the ones who pass your pet unhealthy food and
whisper "Mommy is so mean. I'll just give you one little bite."
It's Only a Little Bit...How Much is Too Much?
What, you want to wait until they throw up in the kitchen or have
diarrhea in front of Aunt Sue?
Socially, consumption of human food (depending on how fast your
pet learns he likes your food) can result in the hard-to-break habit
of begging, when the humans sit down for a meal.
More Painful Consequences
Bloody diarrhea
Choking
Sliced internal organs
Bowel obstruction
Vomiting
Trips to the vet
Dehydration
Sluggishness
Vet bills
Death
Someone's in the Kitchen
You've made it through dinner and didn't give in. The dog and/or
cat had their regular dinner at the usual time. They've been out
for a walk. You're almost clear. Now check the garbage.
Where's the...
Messy aluminum foil & pans?
Candy wrappers?
Paper plates, cups and plastic flatware?
Plastic wrap?
Roasting bags?
Six?pack plastic beverage ring?
Turkey lacing or skewers?
All items can cause abdominal discomfort, intestinal
blockage, internal bleeding, even death, if eaten; danger of suffocation
or choking also exists; possibility of food?poisoning.
Tip: Store garbage under sink, in closet, or
in a fastened container. Better still, tie it up and run it out
to the covered trash can in the garage.
Feeling overwhelmed? Use common sense. Hey, they
love you unconditionally! You say no. They get over it and live
with you longer!
Happy holidays!
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