Deb D’Andrea, Nederland.   As we approach that time of year when so many delicious items pass through our kitchen and into our mouths; it is good to be aware of what we can share with our furry friends during this time of celebration. I really can’t imagine what goes through their heads, with all the hustle and bustle and craziness; but I do know they’ll have their nose eagerly engaged in smelling all the yumminess!

Here are some tips to help you and your furry loved ones stay healthy and enjoy this season. My first recommendation is to please keep your trash out of reach as I can’t count the number of times a beloved pup has raided the trash just after someone has placed the turkey carcass or others bones in it. Cooked bones can cause issues with your dog’s digestive tract, with the possibility of bones becoming lodged resulting in internal laceration, obstruction, severe pain and maybe surgery.

If you want to treat your dog to turkey, it’s okay as long as you’ve removed all the bones, the skin and it is well cooked. Minimizing the amount of fat they receive will help keep their digestion in order and help avoid medical conditions like pancreatitis or gastroenteritis.

If you’re baking fresh bread, keep it with the loaf as when dogs, and cats, ingest raw bread dough it can cause them to become bloated and drunken as the sugars internally convert into carbon dioxide gas which can be life threatening and require hospitalization. While not as toxic, the same is true if you’re baking a cake; please just keep their noses out of the uncooked batter.

With counter surfers and garbage can divers, there is the threat of them ingesting discarded aluminum foil, wax paper or other food wrappings which can lead to a trip to the emergency room. A well secured garbage can is essential; or at least one placed in such a manner there’s no possibility for a break-in.

When entertaining it’s recommended to let your friends and family know that no matter how much of a pain your pooch is, no table food is allowed. If everyone gave in to those big eyes and solid stare, scoring a tasty morsel from each guest, you’d have a pretty sick pup by the end of the evening. Sometimes it’s best to put on some classical music or a doggy movie (my Girls enjoy “101 Dalmatians”) along with a fresh bowl of water in your bedroom and give them time to relax from the holiday festivities.

Till next time. Deb D’Andrea, founder of 4TheLuvOfDogz, provides mobile Canine Massage, Canine Agility and Petz Nanny Services for dogs, cats, birds, fish, horses, and other critters. 4TheLuvOfDogz home-made dog treats and K9Birthday Cakes are available direct. Contact Deb at 720-675-7078 or email at info@4theluvofdogz.com for more information.