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Written by Kathis Travers
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Thursday, 02 October 2008 |
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With Thanksgiving swiftly approaching, its time to think seriously about how not to kill your pet with kindness. Turkey, stuffing, pumpkin pie, oh my! Great for us -- then again, maybe not -- but certainly not for our four-legged friends. I am sure there will be plenty of leftovers around for you and your family to enjoy! I am all in favour of goodies, but for the human members only. While it is so tempting to want to share with your best friend, you are putting its life in danger if you do. Even a taste can be damaging. We know turkey bones are a no-no and can splinter, which punctures the stomach and intestinal tract. We also like our vets enough not to subject them to the grueling task of fixing up a torn up tummy. What many of us fail to realize is that even something like fatty skin from the turkey can cause severe problems like inflammation of the pancreas or even bloat. I always say that if anything can go wrong it will, so an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Pets like dogs and cats are very curious critters. Even foil and plastic wrap will taste good with all the yummy flavors. Make sure you dispose of these things properly. You not only have to protect your pets but you have to be so careful not to entice wildlife. We have Halloween coming up soon and I have seen how Prince George really goes all out for this holiday. It is crucial that we do not give our pets chocolate. Chocolate has toxins in it that will kill a dog, cat or bird. As little as one ounce of chocolate can kill a ten pound dog. If you suspect chocolate or any other kind of problem...do not wait call your veterinarian immediately. Fortunately cats tend to be a lot pickier than dogs, so we dont seem to have as many problems, however a change in diet on a cat can cause severe diarrhea. Avocado is very deadly to birds. We know that we should feed them fruits and veggies in addition to seeds but not avocado. Lets also not forget about the perils of weight gain. Instead of turkey and all that good stuff, offer chopped carrots and other veggies. If you have a pet that doesnt have a weight problem, stick to the natural treats or try making your own dog biscuits. Heres an easy recipe for Peanut Butter and Honey Dog Biscuits: 3/4 c flour, 1 egg, 1 heaping tsp. honey, 1 heaping tsp. peanut butter, 1/4 c vegetable shortening, 1 tsp. baking soda, 1/4 tsp. salt, 1/4 c rolled oats, 1/2 tsp. vanilla, wheat honey and peanut butter. Mix everything together and drop onto cookie sheet. Bake at 350 for eight to 10 minutes There isnt a day that goes by that I am not sincerely thankful to be in Prince George. From Joachim, and me, Max and Carney we wish you all a very happy and safe a Thanksgiving. n On another note: Just when I thought I had heard it all, PETA horrified me last week with a letter sent to the cofounders of Ben & Jerrys Homemade Inc., the ice cream gurus. In this letter which can be found on the PETA website, Tracy Reiman, executive vice president, urges them to replace the cows milk in their products with human breast milk. PETA s reasoning, or lack of, points out this would reduce the suffering of dairy cows and their babies on factory farms and benefit human health at the same time. n On Tuesday Oct. 7, stop by the Railway and Forestry Museum and say happy birthday to Maggie Gill, who turns 10.† Maggie is the adorable mascot who is always there greeting guests with her wagging tail. Email me at
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and lets talk animals.
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Last Updated ( Tuesday, 07 October 2008 )
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Of course the average pet owner is knowledgeable enough that they do not offer turkey or chicken bones to their pet. But I will offer turkey and "all that good stuff."
I will definitely copy the recipe for home made dog biscuits, as I insist my dog eat some kibbles for maintaining his gums and teeth.
Reminds me of the vets who say do not feed your pet from the table. What do they figure dog food is made of??? Dirt????? It is manufactured from the same foods we eat. Where else???? It has nothing to do with weight gain. Is dog food not nutritious. Would a few table scraps not be nutritious.
Sorry-I just cannot agree with some of your statements. I post this with experience, not maliciousness.