Thanksgiving is almost here, and nothing is quite as inviting as the aroma of a turkey basting in the oven—and all the fixings that go with it! It also means the start of the holiday season. Homes begin to fill with a festive spirit; families and friends gather for visits and celebrations. Our pets also share in the joy of the holiday season with us. They always seem to look their cutest while begging for—and sometimes receiving—a taste of our celebrations. It is important to remember that allowing our pets to join us in our holiday feasts can lead to upset stomachs, diarrhea, and even result in an unexpected visit to the emergency clinic or veterinarian’s office.
You may find it difficult to ignore a cat’s constant meow or a dog’s imploring looks as they beg for a taste of your holiday meal, but be sure not to overindulge their appetites. As dull as it sounds to us humans, pets thrive on a stable diet of the same food. For every junkyard dog with a cast-iron gut, there are dozens of other pets that cannot handle a sudden change in the consistency of their diet. A well-balanced pet food with the proper ratio of protein, carbohydrates, and fats gives a pet a healthy, well-regulated digestive system. Although some pets can enjoy a piece of lean white meat from a turkey and a small helping of vegetables (without gravy or butter), others will end up with cramps and distress from even the smallest amount of something different than their usual food.
If you must share your holiday dinner with your four-legged family members, remember that pets should only be given a tiny amount of lean meat (i.e., low-fat chicken or turkey), vegetables, and fruits. Foods to avoid include sauces, gravies, butter, sugars, dairy products, or anything high in oils or fats. Do not allow your pet to chew on bones, as it can cause serious health problems. They can become lodged in a pet’s mouth, or small shards may get stuck in or even perforate the esophagus, stomach, or intestinal tract. These brittle bones can cause so much damage internally that the outcome may be catastrophic or even fatal.
Veterinarians generally tell clients not to give their pets any “people food” at all to avoid potential gastrointestinal issues for pets and expensive veterinary care bills for their pet owner. However, since it is human nature to include all family members in our holiday celebrations, I just ask that you remember these two simple rules:
Rule #1: Only feed your pets healthy choices
Rule #2: Feed your pets very small amounts
Our pets are much smaller than we are and do not need large portions of any kind of food, even healthy ones. As tempting as it may be to overindulge your pets as you gather with your family and friends for Thanksgiving dinner, the best advice I can give is to remember that moderation is the key to a successful celebration.
