Written by Cory Warren
Veterinary reviewed by:
Published: 11/13/2018, edited: 01/30/2020
By Diane Levitan, VMD, veterinarian, and member of the Wag! Advisory Board
Thanksgiving is a time to give thanks and enjoy time with family, friends, and pets. And then there’s the food! It’s one of my favorite holidays.
As a veterinary internal medicine specialist with 27 years of experience, I know there are many things that keep vet emergency rooms busy during this time of year. And the truth is, most are completely preventable.
I want you and your dog to have a wonderful "pupsgiving," so here are some tips to help keep you both happy this holiday season.
Remember, friends don’t let furry friends eat table scraps! The fatty ingredients that make Thanksgiving food so delicious can make our pets sick.
Tell your guests that feeding Fido — no matter how much he begs — is not negotiable. And watch small children because they often drop food, which dogs love to “clean up.”
Keep these five tips in mind to help keep Thanksgiving fun and healthy for your four-legged friends:
Many of us underestimate the anxiety our pets experience from the changes that the holidays bring. There's the company in the house, doorbells ringing, and, of course, all the delectable smells.
You can lessen the stress by making sure there’s a calm place in your home where they can take a break from the bustle as needed. Also, with guests coming in and out of your house, watch the door carefully so your dog doesn’t become an escape artist. That would add a whole new level of stress for all concerned.
If you want to give your dog a Thanksgiving treat, a handful of his regular kibble will make him almost as happy as those unhealthy table scraps. And he probably wouldn’t mind an extra walk or two. He’ll get to burn some energy — while you burn a few of those extra calories, perhaps making room for a second dessert.
Happy Thanksgiving!
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