Be thankful AND vigilant for an emergency-free Thanksgiving

We all have things for which to be thankful, but allow us to give you one more this year: thankful for NOT having to make an urgent care visit to your local veterinarian!

As far as animal safety goes on Thanksgiving, the food reigns supreme:

• The more obvious culprit, of course, are the turkey/ chicken/ ham (even steak) bones. Not only can they get lodged in the throat, stomach and even the intestinal tract, they can also puncture your dog insides.
• Fatty or rich foods- poultry skins, gravy, fatty meat, etc.- can, at the least, cause intestinal distress and may even lead to pancreatitis, a serious inflammation of the pancreas or intestine.
• By now, everyone has heard that chocolate can be toxic to our dogs, but a less-known fact is that xylitol (a common sugar substitute) is even more dangerous. To be safe, keep all sweets up out of your pets' reach. Other foods on the not-allowed list are onions and garlic, grapes and raisins, and macadamia nuts; all of these can be toxic to our pets.

It would also be good to keep in mind the fact that lots of visitors can be stressful to your pets, as well. To avoid this, you can create a safe haven for them or even board them in a facility.

All of us at West Ridge Animal Hospital wish you and yours a peaceful, playful, happy Thanksgiving!

And no offense, but we hope we don't see you first thing Friday morning for an urgent care visit...