This Not That: Thanksgiving Edition
with Dr. Robert Plourde
Dr. Plourde with his pup, LeeLoo.
Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays and my dog LeeLoo agrees! I always make sure that she loves the holiday for the right reasons. Use our This not That guide to make sure your pets are happy and healthy this Thanksgiving.
THIS: Extra pets and tummy rubs, Extra cuddles, Extra walks
NOT THAT: Using food as the only way to show love. Our dogs love treats, but they love us even more. Giving your time and attention is the best treat for your pup!
THIS: Visiting with friends and family
NOT THAT: Going beyond their social comfort. Every dog has their social limit. I make sure to respect mine by letting her settle down in her kennel before she reaches her limit. If the house is full, she often benefits from Adaptil pheromone or other anti-anxiety medications. Please contact us if you feel your pet needs some extra help around the holidays or with travel.
And of course, it wouldn’t be Thanksgiving without a few extra yummy treats.
A few small bites of lean white turkey meat without the skin is alright.
THIS: A few small bites of lean white meat from the turkey.
NOT THAT: Fatty trimmings that could cause pancreatitis or GI upset.
THIS: Sweet potato before the sugar and seasonings get added. Sweet potato is high in fiber and a favorite treat. Dogs love it roasted, smashed, or dehydrated.
NOT THAT: Grapes that can cause kidney toxicity. Unfortunately, grape toxicity is not dose dependent. Meaning even 1 grape or raisin can be very harmful to some dogs.
Do not feed your pets onions or garlic.
THIS: Carrot, celery, or apple piece that falls as I chop up ingredients for the stuffing. These are nice little low calorie crunchy treats.
NOT THAT: Onions and garlic. These ingredients are delicious for us humans but can cause serious anemia or GI upset in dogs.
We hope you all enjoy a fantastic holiday while keeping pets and humans safe!
Please contact the ASPCA Poison Control Hotline for any potential ingestion emergencies this holiday.