Gobble ’Til You Wobble
The costumes have been worn and the trick-or-treating is done. Onward, now, to Thanksgiving fun. It doesn’t have the pizzazz of Halloween or the dazzle of most December holidays, but Thanksgiving lands smack dab in the middle of them, reminding us to be grateful for all that’s been, all that is, and all that’s yet to come. Plus, there’s turkey, stuffing, and pie. It’s the time to gobble ’til you wobble.
Bigger Than Your Belly
That’s the way it seems on Thanksgiving. The bountiful Thanksgiving repast is something most of us look forward to, and, for some people, it’s their very favorite meal of the year. They enjoy conjuring up new recipes using all kinds of ingredients as well as recreating the tried-and-true traditional family recipes. Most of us fill our plates so full that we quickly realize our eyes are bigger than our bellies.
Always Willing To Help
The revelries include your favorite (or not) family and friends, including the furry ones. Whether they’re your pets or those who live in a home you’re visiting for the holiday, these furry wonders are very likely to implore you to share part of your Thanksgiving dinner with them. They’ll try to charm you with their most beguiling look, insinuating that they’re starving. Really. Their big, pleading eyes will delve deeply into yours, beseeching you to see that they’re woefully underfed and unloved. They are, of course, always willing to help you clean your plate.
Good For People, Not For Pets
Most of us know about foods that aren’t good for dogs like chocolate and xylitol, but we’re not as familiar with other commonly used foods that can be highly toxic to pets. For example, alliums (foods that are grown from bulbs and are part of the lily family) such as onions, garlic, leeks, and chives can cause damage to a dog’s red blood cells, as can derivatives of them like onion and garlic power. Other commonly used holiday foods that have the potential to harm your pet are:
- Grapes
- Raisins
- Sage
- Mushrooms
- Citrus
- Nuts
- Avocado
- Salty snacks (chips or pretzels)
- Dairy
- Processed snack foods
- Baked items made with yeast
Any of these may be part of a Thanksgiving celebration, so it’s important to keep an eye on your pet while you’re celebrating. It’s also important to make sure your pet doesn’t have access to raw or undercooked meat.
Additional Safety Tips
While toxic food may be the biggest concern at your Thanksgiving celebration, there are other safety considerations, too.
- Make sure you make time to play with your pet
- Set appropriate boundaries with family members interacting with your pet
- Give your pet space (a quiet bedroom or another area) to decompress
- Make sure outside doors are closed
- Be mindful of candles or shiny décor
- Ensure that plants like autumn crocus, acorns from oak trees, and chrysanthemums are out of their reach
- Make sure that their vaccines and microchip are current
- If you’re traveling with them, never leave your pet in a car
Homey Gnome Veterinary Clinic
Homey Gnome Veterinary Clinic in Oakdale, MN wishes you, your family, and your pets a happy and safe Thanksgiving. We hope the day is filled with moist turkey, flavorful dressing, and gratitude for your favorite furry friend.
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