A Doggie Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is right around the corner. The smell of food cooking, the bustle around the house, the clink of glasses after a toast. Even the dog gets to eat some of the feast. But be careful what you feed him, because many foods can be toxic to your furry friend. Here is a list of dishes that you should avoid.

Turkey:

Raw or undercooked turkey can contain salmonella, which can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, and weight loss. If you’re going to give your dog turkey, make sure it is white meat, lean, and properly cooked. Feeding your dog turkey skin is harmful as well. Dogs’ stomachs can’t handle it. Too much fatty food can inflame their pancreas. This is known as Pancreatitis, and some symptoms include dehydration, lethargy, fever, and difficulty breathing.

Corn on the Cob:

Corn cobs can cause intestinal obstruction, a very serious and potentially fatal medical condition. Additionally, some dogs are sensitive to corn and can suffer intestinal effects from that as well as the physical obstruction. It is wise to keep all cobs away from your dog, safely secured in the trash. 

Onions:

Onions contain an ingredient called thiosulphate, which is toxic to cats and dogs. The ingestion of onions causes a condition called hemolytic anemia, which is characterized by damage to the red blood cells. Onion toxicity can cause the red blood cells circulating through your pet’s body to burst.

Garlic:

Very recently, the safety of garlic on dogs and cats has come under close scrutiny, due to its properties as a member of the Allium genus, a branch of the lily family, along with onions and shallots. Because of this, large quantities of garlic could be toxic to dogs, just like onions.

Alcohol:

A big no-no. Ethanol, a chemical toxic to dogs, is a main ingredient in alcohol. Ethanol can cause diarrhea, seizures, and comas, all of which could lead to death.

Nutmeg:

Nutmeg has mild hallucinogenic properties that can give your dog seizures. While pumpkin and sweet potatoes by themselves are good for dogs, make sure you don’t use nutmeg when you make them.

Dairy Products:

Many dogs are lactose intolerant, meaning they are allergic to an ingredient in milk. Stay away from milk, butter, cream cheese, ice cream, and cheese.

Chocolate:

Most pet owners know this one, but that doesn’t make it any less important. Chocolate is the most common cause of canine poisoning. Even in small amounts, it can be fatal. Why is chocolate so dangerous? The cocoa that is used to make it contains a chemical called theobromine, which dogs take a very long time to digest.

Be careful with the trash: aluminum foil, plastic wrap, wax paper, toothpicks, and skewers. Pets can ingest some of the wrapper when they lick them clean. This could give them intestinal obstructions. Additionally, avoid giving them hot food. If its too hot for you, it’s too hot for them. 

Do not give bones to your dog. The small ones are a choking hazard, and the larger ones can crack his teeth, break into pieces, and, when swallowed, can cause internal lacerations.

Have a great Thanksgiving, humans and dogs alike!

BIBLIOGRAPHY

http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=2+1659&aid=1030

http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/virtual-pet-behaviorist/dog-behavior/foods-are-hazardous-dogs

http://www.animalplanet.com/pets/healthy-pets/table-foods-pets.htm

http://www.pawnation.com/2013/11/25/thanksgiving-food-dogs-and-cats-can-eat/1

http://www.dogster.com/the-scoop/thanksgiving-foods-safe-for-dogs

http://www.ilovedogs.com/2011/10/10-thanksgiving-foods-dangerous-to-your-dog/

http://www.rd.com/home/thanksgiving-foods-that-are-toxic-to-cats-and-dogs/

http://www.boston.com/community/pets/blogs/pet_chatter/2012/11/the_top_thanksgiving_foodsare.html

http://pets.webmd.com/dogs/guide/dogs-and-chocolate-get-the-facts

Cats and Dogs Meet Mythology

Cerberus

This terrifying beast proves that not all dogs are created equal. He is the size of a house and with three snarling heads, each gaping mouth full of razor sharp teeth. A pet of Hades, god of the dead, this canine is said to have guarded the entrance to the Greek Mythology’s Underworld. He both prevented the dead from leaving or the living to pass though the gates.

Cerberus, despite his size and his temperament, has been defeated before. The last of Heracles’s twelve labors was to capture him and bring him to the surface, which was supposed to be impossible, as it was believed that no one had the power to come and go from the Underworld.

Bast

Bast, or Bastet, was the Egyptian cat goddess, who first appeared in the Second Dynasty (circa 2890 BCE), but as a lioness. It wasn’t until the twenty-second Dynasty (945-715 BCE) that she was shown as a cat. Some archaeologists think that a few different deities merged and became one goddess, Bast.

Cats in ancient Egypt were worshipped for their ability to catch vermin such as mice or rats, and even snakes, especially cobras. Egyptians believed that Bast lived in every feline. Their cats were adorned with gold jewelry, permitted to eat off of their owners’ plates, and when they died, they were given the honor of mummification. All this was done in the name of Bast. 

Zodiac Dog

The Chinese zodiac’s eleventh position is the Dog. They represent character traits such as loyalty, compatibility and kindness. Dogs frequently offer kind words and useful advice, always listening and lending a shoulder when necessary. Dogs often become deeply involved in others’ lives and are sometimes perceived as nosy. Ensuring others are happy is more important to the Dog than wealth, money or success.

Zodiac Cat

The fourth animal symbol in the 12-year cycle of the Vietnamese zodiac, which took the place of the rabbit in the Chinese zodiac. Many of the traits that originated with the rabbit have been passed on to the Cat.  Legends relating to the order of the Chinese zodiac often include stories as to why the cat was not included among the twelve. Because the Rat tricked the cat into missing the banquet with the Jade Emperor, the cat was not included and wasn't aware that the banquet was going on and thus began the antipathy between cats and Rats. It is possible domesticated cats were not  common in China at the zodiac's induction.