Thanksgiving is a joyful holiday for most people. But it can be a hazardous time for your dog. Prepare yourself and your dog for the upcoming holiday with these timely tips.

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:

• Toxic foods. Several foods are edible for humans but harmful for dogs. Garlic, onions, grapes, raisins, avocados, Macadamia nuts, coffee, alcohol, and especially chocolate are all toxic when eaten in sufficient quantity. These foods should never be shared with your dog. For more information on toxic people foods and the symptoms to watch for, visit the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (phone: 888-4ANI-HELP, or 888-426-4435). If your dog is ill after indulging in any of these foods, consult your veterinarian right away.
• Dietary Intolerance. Foods that are fine for one dog may not sit well with another. Dogs, like some people, can be lactose intolerant and thus unable to handle milk or milk products. Others are sensitive to abrupt food changes. Vomiting, cramping and diarrhea can result. And finally, simple overeating could give anyone a case of indigestion. Some dogs just don't know when to stop.
• Pancreatitis. Indigestion is one thing; pancreatitis is another. Pancreatitis is defined as inflammation of the pancreas. It can be triggered by an overly fatty meal, especially in individual dogs or certain breeds of dog (e.g., Miniature Schnauzers), that are susceptible. Once the process starts, digestive enzymes that are made in the pancreas can leak, causing a destructive vicious cycle. Most cases respond to treatment. But an unlucky few progress to multiple organ failure and even death. Signs of pancreatitis include moderate to severe vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea, along with lethargy, lack of appetite, and fever. If your dog exhibits such signs after indulging on Turkey Day, seek veterinary care immediately.

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.

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.