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RESIST THE URGE! |
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It is the time of year when
many homes fill with the aromas of tasty foods. It is so difficult to resist the urge to
share a bit of turkey and gravy with our canine buddies. We want to be sure all enjoy the bounties
that we have but be aware of the dangers! There is a life threatening
condition called pancreatitis that vets see all too often during the holiday
season. The pancreas aids digestion
and regulates blood sugar by pumping out enzymes and insulin. “The condition develops when the enzymes
responsible for fat digestion are released prematurely and start to autodigest,
or digest the cells of the pancreas.”* The condition can be
fatal! For some dogs a small amount of
fat can trigger the condition and for others it may take quite a bit, such as
the patient of Dr. Beaver at Texas A & M, who snatched a pound of bacon
and ate the entire thing. Her patient
recovered but only following a lengthy and very, very costly hospital stay. A big problem is there is no way of knowing
for sure if your dog is prone to pancreatitis or not. If your dog is overweight
beware. Dr. Labato
of Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University says that obese
dogs appear to face the highest risk.
Just one more good reason to slim down your chubby canine
companion. She also tags midlle-aged and older females. Breeds known to be at a higher than normal
risk, include
miniature Schnauzers, miniature Poodles, Cocker Spaniels, and some
terriers. Vomiting is a major sign
but for anyone who has owned a dog for more than a week or so she realizes
that dogs vomit for many reasons. If
you are missing a batch of butter cookies and Buttons is vomiting head for
the vet’s office! Or if your dog
vomits several times in a 12 hour period – pack her up and be on your
way. Dogs may also indicate abdominal
pain, weakness, and dehydration. Foods to avoid include:,
sauces, gravies, turkey skin, pie crusts, sausage and other high fat meats,
stuffing, cream and all other high fat dairy products, mayonnaise and
eggnog. I bet you can add to the
list! Beware also of well
intending guests that may be tipping the scales towards serious illness by
slipping treats to Delightful Diana with her big, soulful eyes. If Auntie Nelly is not to be trusted, put
the dog where she cannot be slipped the cream cheese appetizer. For those friends and family that cooperate
have some safe doggie treats available.
There are wonderful recipes that take just minutes to prepare and are
definitely safe for the canine party goers.
And, when all else fails do not hesitate to tell a little white lie to
the effect that your dog is on a special diet because of the diarrhea she has
been suffering. ;-) Happy Holidays one and all. *YOUR DOG – Newsletter from
Cummings School of Vet. Med. At Tufts. University H |