Dear Dr. John,
With two youngsters in school and one among their buddies coming residence and with a brand new Labrador Retriever pet in the home, what precautions do we have to take with Thanksgiving meals with the canine? He likes to get into every kind of issues and can eat absolutely anything! I’ve learn that slightly little bit of turkey and stuffing may be secure to provide to them. Are there different meals that may even be OK to provide to the pup? I’m wondering if I additionally want to cover the rubbish as he has knocked it over a number of occasions already to get into issues. J.F.
Dear J.F.,
Having a pet makes it that extra vital to watch out and watchful of what they may ingest. Too many puppies and even grownup canines find yourself in emergency amenities throughout or simply after Thanksgiving as a result of ingestion of meals which have induced issues.
One would possibly see vomiting, diarrhea, choking on bones, pancreatitis, kidney points, anemia, bloat, and extra. Be certain to place the rubbish in an inaccessible place so the smells of meals scraps in there is not going to tempt him and result in him knocking it over and consuming no matter he finds. Do not go away meals on low tables the place the canine would possibly seize them. I converse from private expertise. Labs are extra infamous than many breeds for consuming absolutely anything.
Make certain that your kids and company perceive the dangers and warning them in opposition to giving the canine scraps or treats on their very own. Too usually, a canine will play as much as every individual to get meals from them and added all collectively can result in issues. You may give him a small quantity of plain unseasoned turkey, pumpkin, candy potato, or plain greens resembling inexperienced beans. Be certain to keep away from any turkey bones, turkey pores and skin and gravy that are very fatty, and stuffing particularly if it has onions, raisins, or a whole lot of garlic in it. Dark turkey meat is extra fatty than chicken so keep on with the chicken, whereas ham is just too salty and isn’t a good suggestion to provide to a canine. Sweets resembling cranberry sauce, pies, candies, and most wealthy desserts also needs to be averted. Have a contented and secure Thanksgiving!
Dr. John de Jong owns and operates the Boston Mobile Veterinary Clinic. He may be reached at 781-899-9994
Source: www.bostonherald.com”