How to include pets in Thanksgiving safely

So, my clients all know that I frown on giving “people food” to pets. But I have pets and I know how it is.  We love them and we want to include them on the festivities.  I am going to tell you how to include them and NOT see me in the following days with vomiting/diarrhea and a variety of symptoms known as “dietary indiscretion”.
Choose wisely. If you think that a food item is not the best idea for you, don’t give it to your pet and there are, of course, ingredients that must be avoided for pets specifically, even though they aren’t toxic to us.

Examples might include:

Highly fatty foods, like ground beef or bacon can cause severe disease in some pets, like emergency pancreatitis. Thanksgiving morning brunch with eggs and sausage is not dog friendly!

Chocolate is never a great idea for pets. No onions, garlic, grapes, raisins or bones should be offered to dogs.

I personally avoid highly processed foods, like breads and pastries for my dogs (and myself).

Remember “all things in moderation”. Never give dogs all the leftover mashed potatoes or clean out the fridge on Black Friday dumping all of it on the dog!
Good choices might include giving a green bean or two or maybe a carrot.  Dessert for your dog could be a piece of melon.  My dogs are grateful to be included and are very excited about anything that I give them.  They never stop and look at me like I should have given them something tastier!


Most pets are just happy to have all the excitement and visitors and the treats are secondary.  Pets show us what being thankful is all about and I am thankful for them!

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The “scoop” on Canine nutrition!

Is kibble diet nutritious? Should I give my dog probiotics? What human foods are safe for dogs? Can I cook my own dog food? What about raw diets? We talk to the super qualified Dr. Joe Bartges, a board certified veterinary nutritionist and internist to see what he thinks.

Find out these answers and more. Click the link and listen for free!

http://petliferadio.com/gonetothedogs_player2.htm

Toxic Jerky Treats Not Only From China Anymore

Surprising new info on the jerky treat scare.

http://theilovedogssite.com/from-the-vet-new-update-on-toxic-jerky-treats/

vet thumbnailAbout The Vet: Dr. Kathryn Primm is a small animal veterinarian. She owns a busy practice in Tennessee and loves sharing all kinds of animal facts and fun. She has consulted on articles for national magazines, done numerous radio interviews and appeared on local television. She has contributed to an article for Woman’s Day in Feb 2014 (and upcoming June 2015) and Prevention magazine, April 2015.

She has a social media presence on TwitterFacebook and Google+ and enjoys interaction with others about her passions, animals and communication. She is a regular contributor to Boomeon, the online community which can be found at www.boomeon.com.  She has also written a book, Tennessee Tails:Pets and Their People. The book received recognition as Runner Up in the Memoirs category at a national book festival. You see an article that Dr. Primm contributed to in Prevention magazine (April 2015) and Woman’s Day (Feb 2014 and June 2015). Read more about Dr. Primm and how to get the best value for your pet care dollar at her website, www.drprimm.com.