Whether you are having a trashy Thanksgiving, a vegetarian Thanksgiving, or a traditional turkey Thanksgiving… your dog will definitely be right by your side, begging for some scraps. But stay strong, humans! The best thing you can do is hoard all those leftovers for yourself, because Petplan, a company that insures nearly 100,000 dogs and cats across the country, says that its “claims for unexpected food-related illnesses soar over the four-day Thanksgiving weekend.” From pancreatitis to gastroenteritis, dogs and cats are getting sick from your scraps, so try to resist those puppy dog eyes—here are some tips:
- Take out the trash immediately to avoid your dog getting into it later.
- No table scraps or leftovers, especially bones. Soft bones, like those in poultry, can splinter and cause obstructions in your pet’s digestive system.
- Remember that raw or undercooked turkey can harbor salmonella, which can cause the same disastrous gastrointestinal affects in our pets as it does in us.
- Onions and garlic have a supporting role in stuffing and other side dishes, but can be dangerous when ingested by our pets, especially cats.
Get all of their tips right here, and note, if you must let your pet indulge, give them some pet-safe veggies like broccoli or carrots, or a small taste of plain turkey, instead. Or better yet, here are some pet-friendly recipesyou can make on Thursday specifically for your furry friends.
