Endoscopy

With the Holidays upon us, it is important to take some extra steps to keep our pets safe and healthy during the festivities.  While they are part of our family, their bodies process things differently than ours.  Seemingly harmless foods and medications can be dangerous, even in very small quantities.  It is always best to avoid giving our pets any medications or table scraps without first discussing these with your Veterinarian, to avoid any potential problems.  

Many of us want to include our furry friends in our Holiday cheer, and this includes giving them a special part of our meal.  However, table scraps should be avoided.  Fatty or rich foods such as gravy, turkey drippings and stuffing can cause Pancreatitis, which can lead to pain, diarrhea, vomiting, and in rare cases, even death.  Even if your pet has tolerated these types of foods in the past, it doesn’t mean that they will not develop Pancreatitis at some point in their lifetime.  Bones and antlers can become foreign bodies in the stomach or intestines if swallowed, but they can also break teeth or puncture the gums and other soft tissues of the mouth.  They should never be given to your pet.  Grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure in dogs, and chocolate can affect multiple organs, which can make your pet very sick.  Avocados, Macadamia nuts, garlic, onions… the list of foods that can make your pet sick goes on.  Instead, give them a small portion of carrots, broccoli, or green beans, cooked or raw, as a little treat.  Low sodium chicken broth added to dry kibble can also be a nice little snack on special occasions.  A spoonful of peanut butter, stuffed in a kong or chew toy, will keep your pet busy while everyone is eating.  This will also prevent guests from being tempted to share their meal with your adorable, but begging, pet.  Finally, keep garbage cans covered or out of reach so that your pets don’t decide to help themselves to the left overs.  Clear dishes as soon as possible for the same reason.  

Sometimes our pets get sick, and we are tempted to medicate them at home, with medications we would use if we were feeling a little under the weather.  There are many old wives tales about giving pets over the counter medications to treat ailments to avoid a trip to the Vet.  While this may seem harmless, many of these over the counter medications can actually cause some serious problems.  It is always best to contact your Veterinarian, before giving them something from your medicine cabinet.  They can direct you on how to treat your pet, and what type of medication they should be on, as well as give you advice on if they should be seen for their ailment or not.  Always keep your prescription medications out of reach of your pets.  If cats and dogs are in the household, it is best to keep them in a location where they can’t be knocked onto the floor.  Should you suspect that your pet has ingested your medication, immediately call a Veterinarian, so that they can advise you on how to proceed; don’t wait it out.  

Guests, especially children, sometimes don’t know your pet like you do, and may make your pet uncomfortable.  Sometimes, it may be best to remove your pet from the crowd, and place them in a quiet area in the house, away from others, or in a kennel, where they can relax.  Never leave children unsupervised with your pet.  Always watch for signs of discomfort or nervousness in your pet.  If your pet is trying to remove itself from a situation, it is always best to take that as a sign that they are uncomfortable and need a break.  Constant licking of the lips, “whale eyes,” or turning the head away, or shifting of the eyes are all signs that your dog is nervous, and does not like what is going on.  These are early warnings that could avoid a potential bite situation.  Even the best dogs can become uncomfortable, and deserve to have time to relax if needed.  Keep an eye on doors and windows if you have indoor only cats, so that they don’t escape with all of the traffic in your household should they become nervous.  They may need to be confined as well, in a bedroom or other area, to avoid potential problems. Have a plan in place before your guests arrive, and your pets will thank you for it!

Happy Holidays!

Kelly Czech, DVM