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Sunday, November 23, 2008

Just Talkin' Turkey Tips...

Talkin’ Turkey: ASPCA Experts Offer Thanksgiving Safety Tips
Friends, family and feasts—the main ingredients for holiday fun can actually result in distress for pets. Not only can too many table scraps set furry tummies a-rumble, but many animals get anxious at the change in household routine. Says the ASPCA’s Dr. Steven Hansen, Senior Vice President, Animal Health Services, which includes the ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control Center in Urbana, IL, “As you begin to prepare for a festive season, remember to be wary of activities that can be potentially dangerous to pets.”

The following safety tips will help to ensure a safe and fulfilling Thanksgiving for you and your pets:

Talkin’ Turkey: Giving your pets a little nibble of turkey is okay, just be sure that it’s boneless and fully cooked. Raw or undercooked turkey may contain salmonella bacteria, and dogs can choke on bones, which splinter easily.

A Feast Fit for a Kong: While the humans are chowing down, give your cat and dog their own little feast. Stuff their usual dinner—with a few added bits of turkey, dribbles of gravy or vegetables like sweet potato and green beans—inside a Kong toy. They’ll be happily occupied trying to get their meal out, and way too busy to come begging for table scraps.

Sage Advice: This peppery herb makes stuffing taste delish, but sage also contains essential oils and resins that can cause pets to suffer stomach upset and possible depression of the central nervous system.

Battery Power: The holiday season means lots of cameras, radios and other battery-operated electronics. Please don’t leave batteries lying around. If swallowed, they can cause choking or obstruction; if punctured, the chemicals in alkaline batteries can cause burns to the mouth and esophagus.

To learn more, read our complete list of holiday safety tips and special Thanksgiving safety advice straight from our experts.

If you suspect your pet has ingested a harmful substance, on Thanksgiving or at any time, please call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.

6 comments:

Brenda said...

Great tips!

Alison said...

great ideas, thanks....I am definitely doing the Kong stuffing this year!!

Anonymous said...

This is a great reminder. Many years ago our first Bichon ended up at the vet over a holiday weekend because she got into the trash of pork chop bones. We really learned our lesson and watch closely on holidays. Our dog doesn't get table food but I will give her some treats thanks to your post!

willowtree said...

All good, sensible tips.

Hayden said...

Great reminders!

My vet's office say they get at least 1 or 2 emergencies every Thanksgiving with pancreatitis - from dogs eating too much turkey skin.

Anonymous said...

Good tips. I didn't know that about sage.