Everybody is enveloped more or less in the Christmas spirit and it seems natural to want to share some Christmas foods with your dog. Obviously, those pleading eyes and little drool won't help much in ignoring your dog as you place that big turkey on the table. Yet, keep in mind that the days after big holidays are also the busiest days at vet clinics and emergency animal hospitals. Why? Because dogs were often offered foods that they shouldn't have, or between the hustle and bustle of the Christmas preparations the dog was left unattended and he got a hold of a tray full of baker's chocolate. Having worked for a busy animal hospital, I can attest that we got many cases of chocolate toxicity, pancreatitis, intestinal obstructions, bloody stools and lots and lots of V+D, which was simply an abbreviation meaning vomiting and diarrhea.
Many of these problems could have been avoided, if only a few precautions were taken. What may seem like an act of generosity could end up being a costly affair. Veterinarian emergency fees are expensive and if your dog must be left overnight, the costs could easily swipe all your saving if you don't have dog …show more content…
Don't let Rover lick that greasy pan you just used to fry bacon, leftover chicken skin or eat ham trimmings; the symptoms of pancreatitis are quite aggravating leading to loss of appetite, vomiting, hunched-up position, weakness, abdominal pain, diarrhea and dehydration. While an itsy bit of white meat from a turkey or chicken should do no harm, remember to remove the skin and bones and avoid feed ing dark turkey meat. "Feeding too much turkey may make dogs prone to a serious condition known as ''pancreatitis'', explains veterinarian Christina Frick, owner of Frick Veterinary Services in Larned,