Tips for Thanksgiving Safety

Our pups can become quite determined to have some of our special Thanksgiving dinner and treats.  Even Heidi is determined to beg and receive some of our human food, going so far as to push her bowl to my feet!!  However, not all the human food is pet-friendly, and it up to us to ensure their health and well being.  Safety must be first!  And we need to be careful and attentive to make certain that our furry family members won't become sick or even worse.  We all need to remember to NOT give into their irresistible begging or my own desire to give them a "special" meal.  None of us will be very thankful if they eat dangerous food, plants, or drinks.

Here are a few things we need to keep in mind:

• Bones, raw or undercooked turkey, and heavy fats can cause distress in the digestive system. IA small bite of boneless, well-cooked turkey is okay.  We have to remember that:  1) too much of anything isn't good; 2) raw or undercooked meats can contain salmonella bacteria; 3) bones are extremely dangerous.  Check even the smallest pieces of turkey to make absolutely certain that there are no bones. 
• Small amounts are best.  Sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, green beans, tidbits of turkey, a few drops of gravy, or baked bread on top of their regular meal makes it extra special.  Please don't spoil your holiday.  Unbaked yeast can become a life-threatening situation that endangers our pets' lives.  The raw yeast in unbaked or under-baked dough creates gases that expand in the digestive tract and can cause bloat.  Bloat is a real emergency that can only be treated with emergency hospital intervention.
• Alcohol is life threatening. A drunk pet is NOT funny.  Keep all drinks high enough so their long tongues can't reach inside the glasses.   f you plan to bake Thanksgiving desserts, be sure your pets keep their noses out of the batter, especially if it includes raw eggs—they could contain salmonella bacteria that may lead to food poisoning.
• Desserts are delicious but raw batter contains raw eggs which may contain salmonella bacteria and cause food poisoning.  A smidgeon of baked pumpkin pie is okay!
• Special Treats for our Special Pets.  We can create a very specialmeal and occasion for our pets by buying them treats made especially for them.  We can visit our favorite pet supply store and purchase a new, safe chew treat or toy.  We can even stuff their hollowed toy with a healthy treat and give them hours of delicious enjoyment. 
• Please DO NOT overindulge our precious pets.  Upset tummies, vomiting, diarrhea, bloat, and pancreatitis threaten their lives and it our responsibility to keep them healthy and safe.
• Remember:  If it isn't good for we, the human, it isn't good for our pets either!!  Best - keep our pets on their regular diet throughout the entire holiday season.

There is also more information offered by ASPCA People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets

Living with Our Deaf Pups

Our deaf animals can be wonderful and loving members of our families if we remember they have some special needs. Adopting them, like any pet, is a real responsibility and commitment.  Below, I have made a simple list that is designed to help us and our special family members and indicates the most important things we need to do.

1. Learn to communicate with them their way.  American Sign Language (ASL) is great inasmuch as it is already invented and allows many others to communicate with our deaf pups.

2. Always let them know when you are nearby.  Like any dog, we need to be cognizant of their need not to be startled.  The expression, "Let a sleeping dog lie," didn't come about because of deaf dogs, but any dog.  Courtesy first!

3. Approach them slowly from the front where they can see you.  It is always best to approach our dogs, whether they hear us or not, in a manner that they know that we are present.

 4. Always be gentle with touch and gesture.  Our love needs to be shown in every way.  Massage is also a great way to establish closeness and trust.

 5. Use only praise, encouraging touch, and positive reinforcement. And lots of it !!  Our pups love to please us and the more wonderful feedback that we give, the happier they are.

 6. Allow them to approach a newcomer first by smelling the person's fist.  Never allow a stranger or anyone to rush in.

 7. Keep them on leashes and close to you when out on walks.

 8. Tether them to you in the house in order to help with initial adjustment, house breaking, bonding, and helping them feel safe.  My deaf pups bonded so closely with me that they were nicknamed Velcro dogs.  There is no better feeling than having a devoted and loving dog by our side. 

 9. Provide outdoor fencing that is secure and essential for their safety.  They can't hear dangers.  However, we need to remember that all pets need to be kept safe; and it's our responsibility to keep them safe.

 10. Work with them in an established and continual training program.  Our pets are adopted members of our families, and daily attention is "a non-negotiable" just as it is for any child or loved one.  Learning is continual throughout their entire lives.

** Love and accept them with their special needs. **

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