Thursday, November 26, 2015

Thanksgiving Safety & A Special Treat for You

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Happy Thanksgiving to you and those you love. It's time to stop and think about everything for which we are grateful, for the special people in our lives and the special people and pets who have graced our lives. I am very grateful for my sixteen year old Chartreux, Aimee, who makes every day special.

We love our companions and as the holiday season starts, we have to be aware of keeping them safe and healthy with so much food around. Some people food is definitely not good for pets! Even if you think it's out of reach, chances are it isn't. Never underestimate a clever and agile dog or cat.

There are things you must be sure they don't ingest. Be sure you warn your dinner guests not to give them any of the following:


  • Chocolate
  • Coffee
  • Caffeine
  • Grapes
  • Raisins
  • Macadamia Nuts
  • Nuts like Pecan, Walnuts, almonds contain high amounts of fats causing vomiting and diarrhea
  • Alcohol - Some guests think it's amusing to let the pet drink alcohol. It's potentially lethal.
  • Citrus peels, leaves, fruit and seeds of plants 
  • Coconut and Coconut Oil
  • Coconut Water is high in potassium which is not good for pets
  • Onions
  • Garlic
  • Chives
  • Salt
  • Salty snack foods
  • Yeast Dough rises and can result in gastrointestinal problems including bloat among other issues and is potentially lethal
  • Xylitol is in sugarless chewing gum and is showing up in peanut butter. Read candy and gum labels carefully
Your pets may be consuming small amounts of some of the above but please be careful. Better safe than sorry. Avoid possible death and definite veterinary bills. There's a reason why veterinary hospitals are so busy during the holidays.

Obviously, keep trash sealed and put where your pets cannot possibly get into it.

Now, as a treat for you, here's a chance to watch a couple of Golden Retriever puppies eat and grow. Enjoy!


8 comments:

Lisette Brodey said...

Thank you so much for this important reminder. No matter how much we know, it's always good to review this list. And it's UNREAL that anyone would think it's funny to give alcohol to an animal.

Darlene said...

Thank you for commenting, Lisette. People who think it's funny to give alcohol to an animal are not people I would want in my home. I would tell them to leave if I caught someone doing it.

Gordon Brice said...

People can become too relaxed during holiday times and this is the time when pets are most likely to suffer the consequences. Thank you very much for sharing this much needed reminder. Hopefully, your blog will be shared by many people, resulting in a reduced number of vet visits AND unwelcome vet bills.
The video was wonderful and all the shots of the retrievers slipping and sliding, as they rushed to get their food, was very heartwarming.

Layla Morgan Wilde ( Cat Wisdom 101) said...

Happy T'Day. What about coconut oil benefits?

http://www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com/the-health-benefits-of-coconut-oil/

Unknown said...

Thanks for the reminders Darlene, not a bad idea to tape that list to the fridge! Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Darlene said...

Thank you, Gordon. I'm so glad you liked the post. No matter how many of these posts (and articles) I write, every year the veterinary hospitals are flooded with emergencies. If I can save one dog or cat, it's worth it. I'm glad you enjoyed the video. I thought it was fun and very sweet.

Darlene said...

Layla, it can be tiny amounts but if you check with veterinarians, too much can have very bad results. Unless someone is careful and knows what they're doing, they can cause great harm. That's the last thing anyone wants. I checked everything to be sure I was catching everything that veterinarians would approve (or disapprove!) to pass along to owners. I try to be very careful. If you notice, I added the newly discovered problem with peanut butter. Owners have to learn to read labels and know what to look for on the list of ingredients.

Darlene said...

Thank you, Vallie, for a great idea! Printing out the list and taping it to the fridge is a great reminder for the entire holiday season!