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Wait, did you mean Happy Thanksgiving, Charlotte?
Yes, but only if you resist giving in to all those extra snacks your dog is begging for. In the U.S., the day after the Thanksgiving holiday is one of the busiest days of the year for emergency vet visits due to pancreatitis.
It’s the time of year that dogs are eating, or being treated with, a lot of fatty table scraps.
Remember my mantra? Love is Love. Food is not Love.
I have had too many conversations about what to feed or not to feed regarding the joy of the Thanksgiving feast and the answer to all your questions is – feed nothing.
Thanksgiving is not a food-giving feast for your pets since it may lead to pancreatitis, acute or chronic, it will happen.
Pancreatitis is the medical word for inflammation (swelling and pain) in the pancreas.
The pancreas is an organ next to your dog’s stomach that makes enzymes to help them digest their food and insulin to help them regulate their blood sugar.
Pancreatitis is a serious illness and if untreated may kill your dog.
An Inflamed pancreas causes significant pain and suffering for your pet, and treatment can be costly.
Expenses will include an emergency exam, full comprehensive bloodwork, imaging including ultrasound, IV care, medications including pain, extended 24-72 hour hospitalization, advanced nursing care, and follow-up labs to monitor progress.
We are talking into the thousands of dollars here folks.
Just a friendly reminder to all our early dishwater helpers! Be aware that if you let your pet clean your plate, be mindful that the leftover sauces have seasonings, fats, salt, and ingredients like onions or garlic that are poisonous to our pets.
If you truly want to spoil your furry family member for Thanksgiving, spend more time together. Time spent together is the greatest gift of all to give.
Happy Thanksgiving from my furry family members to yours.
– Charlotte
