Monitor your pets during holidays
If your holiday table is brimming with goodies, odds are that your pet is watching for an opportunity to enjoy the feast.
Pets might not be tempted by a counter preparation of peanut butter and jelly, but a freshly cooked turkey is another matter. When their little noses lead them to your holiday table, it also can lead them to serious and even fatal consequences.
Meat wrappers, paper towels and even cloth towels that have been in contact with meat or juices can tempt a pet to consume the entire item. This can obstruct their gastrointestinal tract. Sometimes, the symptoms can be confusing. Call your vet if you observe any of the following in your pet:
» Vomiting
» Loss of appetite or aversion to food
» Pain or distress
» Loose stool
Sometimes, pets get into the trash and eat bones. This also can lead to similar emergency situations as an obstruction. Talk to your vet immediately if you know your pet has ingested bones.
Counter-surfing pets can fall back into old habits with high- value items like a whole turkey tempting them. If you know this is an issue with which your pet struggles, supervise them carefully.
Stealing food can lead to awkward encounters with otherwise mild-mannered pets. Situations of being caught in the act might provoke aggression in dogs. Their reaction to getting caught with their paw in the cookie jar can be treated, but their behavior can still surprise owners if it isnt a regular occurrence. Dont get in a confrontation which could lead to a bite. Here are some tips on how to handle this situation:
» Assess danger in the situation. What have they stolen?
» Dont corner them. This can make them feel more emotional or aggressive.
» Use a high tone of voice reserved for play, not the harsher scolding tone.
» Trade up. Offer them another tasty treat to lure them away from the stolen item.
Friends and relatives often are tempted to include pets in the meal. It seems more festive when everyone is a part of the fun. But, beware:
» Table scraps are not good for pets in large quantities. When we give them leftovers from our plates, it is often the fattiest and the saltiest parts of our meal, like turkey skin and gravy, which can upset their systems. Anytime they get extras, it can lead to vomiting, loose stools and accidents in the house. A little bit from everyone leads to a lot in the end.
» Feeding pets at the table can lead to your pet starting a habit of begging that lingers after the holiday is done. If this is an issue you are working on, give relatives instructions to ignore the stares and whining, redirect the pet to another activity or eliminate opportunities if relatives cant follow through.
Have a safe and happy Thanksgiving, and be sure to supervise your pets.