The fall is one of my favourite times of the year. I enjoy the cooler temperatures that are easier to sleep in as well as the colourful fall foliage displays. It is also the time of one of my favourite days of the year – Thanksgiving.
I am thankful for so many things. My son was born on Thanksgiving many years ago. I am thankful for family, fellowship and food that is witnessed on this day. As much as I enjoy Thanksgiving it does have its setbacks.
I have been known to overindulge in the food department, which seems great at the time until I suffer the consequences of my actions. I wish I could say I have learned from this mistake over the many years of celebrating and overindulging during this holiday but it seems the reward is too high for me… and so it is for our pets.
It is extremely common for pet owners and their guests (who often receive the blame) to feed some small or large portion of all that yummy food that we partake in eating. As a result, we as veterinarians, have seen it all. Pets with signs of vomiting, severe diarrhea, pancreatitis and gastrointestinal obstruction. Sometimes very little treatment is needed and other times life-threatening conditions result in extensive treatment. These avoidable illnesses make the season less enjoyable for my patients and my clients.
Do yourselves and your pets a favour. Don’t overindulge your pets or feed them “just a little extra”. It could be at best an uncomfortable mistake and at worst it could be life-threatening. When your guests arrive you have my encouragement to do as I do. I tell my guests what I am thankful for. “I am thankful that Daisy will not vomit all night tonight because I know you won’t be feeding her any extras”.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Written by Rob Doucette, DVM