Pet Safety Alert: Risks To Watch Out For During Thanksgiving And Christmas

Amarillo is in full Thanksgiving mode. Shoppers are going crazy trying to scoop up all of their last-minute groceries. Travelers are debating whether they can put off packing for one more day. Several of us are preparing to have our houses overran with relatives. With all of this going on, the last thing any of us wants to deal with is a sick pet.

Pets Can Have Really Tricky Diets

I didn't realize just how tricky a pet's diet could be until recently. Thanks to having Google at our fingertips, I've learned that there is a lot my dog shouldn't eat. There are even fruits and vegetables that could lead to disaster if my dog got ahold of it.

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The pet-sitting platform TrustedHousesitters recently put out their list of reminders for Thanksgiving and Christmas on what not to feed or leave around your pet. One of the biggest shocks for me was the section on table scraps. It turns out that feeding your pet table scraps on Thanksgiving is a horrible idea. In a best-case scenario, your pet just has an upset tummy. It could lead to diarrhea, vomiting, and even pancreatitis.

Other Holiday Dangers For Your Pets This Year

You might not realize it, but there's a lot of stuff that could harm your pet during the holiday season. TrustedHousesitters also reminded us that these items can be dangerous as well:

• Scented Pinecones/Potpourri - can cause vomiting, weakness, drooling, and difficulty breathing.
• Flowers - Fall foilage like holly, berries, and Chrysanthemums can be toxic to pets causing vomiting, diarrhea, and skin irritation.
• Acorns and Chestnuts - They can cause bowel obstructions. Also, acorns in some cases can cause liver and kidney problems. Chestnuts can cause an upset stomach.
• Ham And Turkey Bones - Bones can cause bowel obstructions, and if the bones are high in fat they can also lead to pancreas issues.

One of the best things to do is stick to your pet's usual routine around the holidays. The sudden change in their diet could cause problems if you suddenly give them all kinds of table scraps. Plus, there is the possibility of bowel obstruction which can require surgery to fix. Find some healthier alternatives for your pet this year.