Because we celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday with food, pet owners are often tempted to slip their pet a sampling of the feast. But even a seemingly innocent indulgence can cause digestive and stomach problems. Each year, canines and felines fed turkey, ham, gravy and other Thanksgiving Day "people foods'' by well-meaning owners end up in a veterinarian's emergency room. It's best to give thanks for your pets by spending some extra time with them or by giving them a holiday treat made especially for pets. While dogs and cats are valued members of the family, they're still animals - not human beings. Traditional, rich holiday foods can mean extra pounds and maybe a nap for humans, but it presents the furry, four-legged set with a host of health hazards.

Bones from turkey carcasses present the biggest threat to pets during the holiday season. Most people have heard that turkey bones are dangerous to pets because, like other bird bones, they are hollow and can splinter into sharp pieces. The splinters can lodge in the animals' throats or esophagus, puncture the stomach, cause blockages, or perforate the intestinal tract. A pet who has a turkey bone lodged in his digestive system may not show any symptoms for one to two days. When symptoms do occur they may include loss of appetite, depression, vomiting or diarrhea. Sometimes the bone will pass by itself; other times it may need to be surgically removed.

But what people probably don't realize is that the fatty skin from the turkey can cause problems just as severe. Not only can fatty foods cause the usual digestive system upsets, but these foods can also trigger a pancreas inflammation. Symptoms of this condition include pain in the abdomen, diarrhea, vomiting, depression, loss of appetite and in severe instances can be fatal. Pancreas inflammation is most likely to occur in a middle-aged, inactive, overweight dog. Ham can be especially rich in fat and can trigger a life-threatening inflammation of the pancreas. If your pet sneaks some ham or turkey from the table and begins showing the above symptoms, contact your veterinarian immediately.

And look out for that string from the turkey. The string used to tie the turkey legs is extra delicious to cats because it's been soaking in bird juices. It's important to dispose of the string properly because it can get caught in a cat's intestine and cause a serious blockage. The carcass, twine and other materials used in cooking the turkey should be sealed in plastic and put in secure, covered containers outside the house to prevent the animals from getting into the kitchen garbage.

High-fat desserts also pose a danger - especially when it comes to dogs and chocolate. Chocolate contains a stimulant which can harm a dog's heart and nervous system. An ounce of baker's chocolate has the potential to kill a 10-pound canine. Baked goods should be placed up high where the animals can't get to them.

Moderation is the best policy and completely avoid feeding fat and cooked poultry bones. If you feel that you must give your pets treats during the holiday, let your family and guests know that the treat shouldn't come from the table. Explain that the pet will get its own special commercial treat. Your pet will enjoy the holiday more without an upset stomach, and so will you.

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Keep your holidays safe, healthy and happy with these Tips:

1. Anticipate guest arrivals and con fine your dog to prevent escape out the open door, running away or in front of a car.

2. Reduce stress by maintaining your dog's regular feeding and exercise routine and setting aside a quiet room where it can escape from holiday parties. Too much excitement may cause stomach upset or trigger a preexisting illness.

3. Place mystery packages out of reach. Dogs often chew apart packages containing food that could make them sick. "Food is the No. I holiday hazard for dogs," said Amy Marder, VMD, vice president of companion animal services for the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Greasy, fatty stuff we eat can cause mass havoc on an animal's intestines. Rich gravies and buttery sauces can cause severe vomiting, bloody diarrhea and even life-threatening inflammation of the pancreas. An ounce of a 20- to-40-proof alcoholic beverage can put a small dog in a coma.

4. Tell guests to avoid giving treats from , the dinner table. Poultry skin. Fat rich gravies and buttery sauces can cause severe vomiting, bloody diarrhea and even life-threatening inflammation of the pancreas. An ounce of 20 to 40 proof alcoholic beverage can put a small do in a coma.

5. STOW chocolate candy, baking chips and especially baker's chocolate out of reach. "Chocolate is the most common toxicity we treat during holidays," Dr. Proulx said. Eating even small amounts causes"vomiting and diarrhea. Large amounts can cause abnormal heart rhythms and nervous system malfunction, even death.

.6. Secure garbage in bins with dog-proof lids or behind locked doors. Dogs may chew up holiday throwaways such as meat scraps, bones, paper, foil or plastic flavored with food, -and even gift wrapping and ribbon, which can absorb food flavors. Ingesting these items can result in vomiting, diarrhea or intestinal perforation or obstruction.

7. Read labels on products such as tree water preservatives and artificial snow, and buy only those labeled nontoxic.

8. Put away toys after children open them. Small plastic and rubber balls are common causes of choking and intestinal blockage in dogs. Ingested plastic or cloth toys must often be removed surgically.

9. Consider a smaller living or cut tree that can be positioned on a tabletop, making it harder for your dog to reach decorations or knock over the tree. Secure larger trees to a wall to prevent tipping, and use a screen around the base to block access to electrical cords and gifts.

11. Fasten all decorations securely and arrange breakable ornaments toward the top of the tree. Dogs may chew them and suffer cuts in the mouth. Tinsel and angel hair can cause digestive tract obstructions. "Bubbling" lights filled with methlene chloride, can be mildly toxic.

12. Return paper, ribbons and yarn to their storage places after gift wrapping. Bored, anxious or merely curious dogs may choke on them.

13. Place holiday plants out of reach. Poinsettia can cause mild symptoms of drooling, oral pain or vomiting. Mistletoe can cause vomiting, diarrhea, labored breathing, shock and even death from cardiovascular collapse. Vacuum often. Eating the needles of both real and artificial trees can cause intestinal blockage.

14. Display candles on high shelves, and use fireplace screens to avoid singed whiskers and painful burns.

SoftMaple Curly Coated Retrievers
Mark and Cathy Lewandowski
8282 Soft Maple Road
Croghan New York 13327

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softmaple@curlycoat.org

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Halloween hazards for your Curly

Christmas holiday hazards

Hoppy Easter!

Happy New Year!

Happy 4th of July

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