Thanksgiving is a time for family, gratitude, and incredible food. But if you have a dog or cat roaming the house, it is also the season of sneaky snacking and unexpected vet visits.
The holidays bring a whole host of new and rich foods into our homes. Unfortunately, what is delicious to us can be incredibly dangerous for our pets. Even the most obedient dog can be tempted by a dropped piece of turkey or an unattended pie cooling on the counter.
The Danger of the Holiday Tummy
While a small piece of plain white turkey meat is generally safe, most holiday foods are loaded with butter, garlic, onions, and rich fats.
When a dog consumes a high fat meal like turkey skin, gravy, or buttery mashed potatoes, it can trigger a severe and painful condition called Pancreatitis. This is an inflammation of the pancreas that causes severe vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and abdominal pain. It requires immediate veterinary intervention.
Other toxic holiday hazards include:
- Bones: Cooked turkey and ham bones are highly brittle. They can splinter and puncture your pet’s digestive tract.
- Onions and Garlic: Highly toxic to both dogs and cats, causing damage to their red blood cells.
- Grapes and Raisins: Often found in holiday stuffing or salads, these can cause sudden kidney failure in dogs.
- Xylitol: An artificial sweetener found in many baked goods that is lethally toxic to dogs.
Same Day Sick Appointments When Accidents Happen
Even if you are incredibly careful, accidents happen. A guest might unknowingly slip your dog a piece of fatty ham, or your cat might knock over a side dish.
When your pet starts showing signs of an upset stomach, time is of the essence. You do not want to wait days to get them seen. At Animal Care Center of Tupelo, we proudly offer same day sick appointments. We intentionally leave room in our daily schedule so we can get your pet evaluated, run any necessary diagnostics, and start treatments as soon as an emergency strikes.
We also know that unexpected visits can bring financial stress. This is exactly where our Preventative Care Plans shine.
Every single one of our wellness plans includes unlimited $35 exam co-pays. If your pet eats something they shouldn’t or starts acting lethargic after a holiday meal, you can bring them in for a same day exam without the anxiety of a massive consultation fee. We can get them evaluated, utilize the bloodwork covered in our adult and senior plans if necessary, and get them feeling better fast.
Enjoy the holidays with true peace of mind. Save our phone number at (662) 842-8707 for any holiday emergencies, and explore our Preventative Care Plans online today!
