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| Thanksgiving Safety for Dogs |
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Holiday Stress, Canine Style Social dogs may love the bustle of the holiday. But for shy dogs, it can be stressful. Houseguests, new faces, and disruptions in the daily routine can take a toll on a sensitive dog. Skittish dogs may be tempted to snap or bite. Escape artists may see an opening when guests linger at the door. Anxious dogs are prone to misbehavior of all sorts: barking, housesoiling, and destructive tendencies. You know your dog. An outgoing dog can be the life of the party. But if your dog isn't a social butterfly, be safe, not sorry, by confining her to her crate or a separate room before the guests arrive. Offer your dog a new toy or, in particular, a Kong Blue toy filled with Kong Stuff'n to occupy her attention until the excitement subsides. Mask the noise with a soothing classical CD. Or pop in a "for dogs only" DVD to distract from the commotion. Natural stress relievers or comforting dog pheromone sprays, collars, or diffusers can be very efficacious as well. Thanks, But No Thanks! Who can ignore Fido's rapt, mouth-watering stares as the turkey comes out of the oven? Who hasn't been tempted to sneak a tidbit under the table? It's natural to want to share the bounty with your dog on Thanksgiving, but it's not always safe. Here are some hazardous treats that might be on your table:
Protect your dog with a few easy precautions. Consider substituting low-fat store-bought dog treats for turkey and giblets and your dog may be none the wiser. If you must share people food, offer only lean meat and bland side dishes, ones devoid of sauces or spices. Avoid all forbidden foods, as well as anything excessively fatty, such as gravy, pan drippings or stuffing. Ration leftovers over several days rather than indulging your dog all at once. Make sure all family and guests follow these rules as well. Garbage Gut Dogs are scavengers. And what could be more tempting to a scavenger than an unsupervised trashcan full of juicy scraps, fatty trimmings and a tasty turkey carcass! Poultry bones can easily splinter or get lodged in the mouth, throat or digestive tract with serious consequences. Discards such as string, foil wrap, and moldy or spoiled food found along with tasty scraps can cause equal amounts of trouble. Be sure to keep garbage out of your dog's reach in a tightly sealed container. If the outdoor trashcan is a target, consider freezing the bones until trash day and then taking them straight to the curb.And if your dog does experience vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or any other unusual symptoms after eating things she shouldn't, consult your veterinarian right away. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of giblets. Your dog will thank you. Disclaimer: This website is not intended to replace professional consultation, diagnosis, or treatment by a licensed veterinarian. If you require any veterinary related advice, contact your veterinarian promptly. Information at SuperHappyPets.com is exclusively of a general reference nature. Do not disregard veterinary advice or delay treatment as a result of accessing information at this site.
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