Thanksgiving is a feast, and that delicious, decadent food, full of butter, gravy, and fat, smells irresistible. Can you imagine what our pets are thinking as we meal-prep during the holidays, with their super-powered sense of smell? But, while your cat or dog might be giving you the best puppy eyes in the world, succumbing to those pleas and handing over table scraps can lead to a serious, painful, and potentially life-threatening emergency: pancreatitis. The best way to protect your pet is to understand the dangers of high-fat foods. Here’s how to say ‘no’ to table scraps and support your pet’s digestion.
The Hidden Danger: Why Fat is the Enemy
The pancreas is a vital organ that produces insulin and digestive enzymes. When your pet suddenly ingests a large amount of fatty foods, such as turkey skin, gravy drippings, bacon, or butter, it can overstimulate the pancreas. This overstimulation can cause the pancreas to become inflamed, a condition known as pancreatitis, in which, instead of helping break down food, the digestive enzymes begin to attack the pancreas and surrounding organs.
Symptoms of Pancreatitis Include:
- Severe abdominal pain (often leading to a “praying” posture: front legs down, rear end up)
- Repeated vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Lethargy and loss of appetite
Pancreatitis requires immediate veterinary care and can lead to hospitalization. Prevention is, without a doubt, the best medicine!
Say ‘No’ to Table Scraps and Protect Your Pet’s Digestion
It can be awkward to correct your mother-in-law or a family friend who is just trying to be kind to your pet by sharing from their plate. Unfortunately, as your pet’s advocate, you may have no choice but to speak up.
Here are a few strategies to politely ensure your pet doesn’t become a casualty of holiday cheer:
1. Set Rules Before Arrival
Send a quick email or text to your guests before they arrive. A simple message can save a lot of discomfort later:
“We are so excited to host you for Thanksgiving! Just a quick heads-up: our dog, [Pet’s Name], has a very sensitive stomach/is prone to pancreatitis, so we have a strict no-table-scrap rule. If you want to treat them, please use the designated treat jar by the pantry! Thanks for helping us keep him/her safe!”
2. Prepare an Alternative
Have a designated “Pet Snack Station” ready. Be creative, create fun signage, and display a variety of species-appropriate treats and snacks. If a guest asks to give your pet food, you can immediately redirect them to your pet snack station, which can include small pieces of plain carrot, plain turkey breast, blueberries, tiny training treats, and, for very food-motivated dogs, cucumber slices, which are mostly water. This satisfies the guest’s desire to share without compromising your pet’s health.
3. Create a Safe Space
If your pet is a particularly masterful beggar, or if you have many guests, the safest option is to create a safe space for your pet to stay in during the festivities. Confine your pet to a cozy, safe room with a distracting enrichment toy (like a frozen KONG) during the actual dinner and cleanup time. Our friends at Hearts at Home Pet Sitting have a great blog about creating a stress-free sanctuary. According to the blog’s author, Caméa Allen, “A safe-haven room isn’t just a place to put your pet; it’s a place they want to be.” I agree, if you set it up right, you won’t feel bad about putting your pet in a designated space while you celebrate. The idea is that everyone will be better for it.
Avoid the Vet this Holiday Season
Protecting your pet’s digestive health is the kindest thing you can do this holiday. By being prepared and clear with your guests, you ensure that everyone, two-legged and four-legged alike, can enjoy a happy and healthy Thanksgiving. Plus, you can avoid an expensive and stressful visit to the vet. Emergency vet visits are high during the holidays, and while Dallas boasts really great veterinarians, it’s best to avoid them when possible.
Dog Walking & Cat Sitting in the Dallas Metroplex
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We proudly serve these Dallas neighborhoods & surrounding suburbs: Bluffview, Deep Ellum, Downtown, Highland Park, Knox Henderson, Lake Highlands, Lakewood, Lower Greenville, Medical District, North Dallas, Oak Lawn, Northwest Dallas, Northeast Dallas, Old East Dallas, Preston Hollow, Turtle Creek, University Park, Victory Park.
If you are outside of our service area, check the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters (NAPPS) or Pet Sitters International (PSI) to find a pet sitter near you.
