Thanksgiving meal should not be shared with pets

FROM Thanksgiving to New Year’s, many of our homes are filled with lots of tempting foods, not just for us, but for our pets.

While it’s best to keep pets on their regular diets, some people want to share some of their human food and figure if given in small amounts, the pets will be fine. But even the smallest changes in diet can result in severe gastric distress for your dog or cat.

Here are a few food tips to avoid a trip to the emergency vet.

First, supervise your food at all times. If you feed your pets first and offer a few doggie-related treats, they will be less tempted to stalk your holiday buffet.

Second, your pets won’t miss having turkey. It’s better to give your dog a puzzle toy with dog treats, a dog chew, or a Kong with frozen dog food inside. Or you can buy turkey-flavored wet dog food as a special treat.

If you insist on giving them human food, then only a little turkey breast (unsalted and unseasoned) or a few cooked veggies such as carrots, green beans or sweet potatoes before they are turned into casseroles.

Do not let them have any sugary, salted or seasoned foods, chocolate or bones, leftover turkey carcasses, onions or undercooked meats.

Use covered dishes. While a dog can certainly get past a covered dish, you might at least hear the glass or ceramic top being nudged off and onto the table or floor.

Finally, don’t leave uneaten food on counters or in the garbage to be taken out later. Dogs can get onto counters or into the trash as quietly as a mouse can scurry across a floor.

Be vigilant and you might save yourself a trip to the emergency room and your pet the unnecessary distress.

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