This year, brush up on your pet health IQ to help ensure that your Turkey Time – Thanksgiving holiday will be safe and joyous for you and your pets.
In a nutshell, try to keep things as routine as possible when it comes to Fido and Fluffy.
That includes: meals, exercise and quiet time. Avoid big spreads especially if you’ve got a chow hound. Decorate according to the age, activity level and temperament of your pets and children. Pet proof trash cans are a worthy investment and proper ID tags help avoid “lost pets.”
A Few New Kitchen Hazards to Avoid around Turkey Time
Brining your Turkey: Salt Toxicosis is the risk when pets enjoy the salt solution used to brine the turkey. Carefully discard the brining solution!
Yeast Dough is a no-no. Uncooked raw yeast once ingested, rises in your dog’s stomach and leads to a painful stomach ache, bloat and vomiting. Dogs get Drunk! The breakdown product of rising dough is alcohol, which can cause alcohol poisoning. Many cases require costly surgical removal of the dough.
Macadamia Nuts can cause muscular weakness, depression, vomiting, and disorientation along with tremors, stomach pain and muscle stiffness in dogs.
Grapes and Raisins: The exact mechanism of action and toxic principle are still being determined by the ASPCA Poison Control Center . Eating just 1 grape can cause kidney failure in dogs and cases of kidney failure reported in cats that ate raisins
Dr. Carol’s TIP: No Cooked Bones, because they can splinter and lacerate your pet’s intestines
Healthy Human Pet Foods to Enjoy around Turkey Time
Pumpkin is rich in Vitamin A. It is also a good source of fiber. Pumpkin seeds are high in polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fatty acids. Those are the good fats.The problem, however, is pumpkin pie. It is a high-calorie food made with eggs, sugar, evaporated milk, and baked in a high-fat pie crust. Try tofu instead. It’s a low fat alternative, and you can both enjoy it together!
Cranberries contain lots of vitamin C as well as fiber and manganese. In addition, they contain an antioxidant that can help prevent urinary tract infections in cats and dogs.
Sweet potatoes contain vitamin C, beta-carotene and potassium. The skin is a great source of fiber.
Green beans provide vitamin C, vitamin K, and manganese. They also contain vitamin A, fiber, potassium, folate and iron.
Turkey is yummy and contains the amino acid Tryptophan which calms us down and makes us sleepy. A great stress reliever.
Pumpkin Pet Pie
• 2 cups Kashi Good Friends cereal
• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• ¾ cup shredded coconut
• ½ cup organic apple juice concentrate Filling Ingredients
• 1 pound firm tofu, drained (use silken tofu for a creamier texture)
• 1 (15 oz) can of pumpkin (~ 2 cups of fresh-baked pumpkin works well too)
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup honey: local varieties are best
• 1 cup pure maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice blend
Directions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
2. Place the Kashi Good Friends cereal in a plastic bag and crush with a rolling pin or process in a food processor or blender until it is semi-fine in texture.
3. Place the cereal in a bowl and add the remaining crust ingredients. Stir until well mixed. Place in a lightly oiled 9-inch glass pie pan and press into place with a spoon or rubber spatula. Bake at 375°F for 8 minutes or until golden brown. Cool completely before filling.
4. Blend all filling ingredients in a food processor until smooth. Pour into the 9-inch pie crust. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 1 hour. Chill before serving to help to firm up the pie. Now, you and your pet can both enjoy this tasty treat together.
Be Prepared! Keep the number of a local pet emergency facility posted clearly and it’s a good idea to have the phone number of the ASPCA Poison Control Center handy just in case. Their toll free phone is 1-888-426-4435. The poison control center is open 24/7 and a fee may or may not be charged to address pet poison emergency calls.
Lavish Pets with LOVE… It’s the best pet gift of all! Have a Great Thanks giving and enjoy your Turkey!
Dr. Carol Osborne is an author and world-renowned integrative veterinarian of twenty-plus years. After graduating from the Ohio State College of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Carol completed a prestigious internship at the Columbus Zoo. Shortly afterward, she launched a very successful private practice and became the founder and director of the non-profit organization, the American Pet Institute. Dr. Carol offers traditional veterinary care for dogs and cats with a softer, natural touch. Her approach highlights the importance of nutrition and utilizing holistic avenues in combination with traditional treatments. Currently, she offers holistic therapies and traditional veterinary medical care for dogs and cats with dementia at the Chagrin Falls Pet Clinic in Chagrin Falls, Ohio. Call our Office Today at (866) 372-2765 or complete this Form to Email our Office.
