Happy Thanksgiving and some leftover treats tips

[Karlin]

Hi all, a happy Thanksgiving to all our American members!!

Our friends at Cavalier Matters have posted this handy info on their Facebook page about what's OK to give your dogs if you're slipping them some T-Day treats, because we all know how tempting those eager faces can be when the house fills with delicious smells and the plates begin to fill up.

Remember that pieces of fat or turkey skin can be really dangerous for dogs and should never be given, especially perhaps to cavaliers as the breed is more prone to pancreatitis (which is a veterinary emergency!). Vets warn that they see a big spike in emergency admissions and very serious cases of pancreatitis at food-focused holidays because people tend to offer fatty trimmings from meat as treats or poultry skin. Turkey skin for some reason is particularly prone to causing serious problems.

 

[Karlin]

Here are some of the signs of pancreatis. Usually the belly will be very tender and painful and the dog will not want to be touched there or look worried if you do, lick its lips, or show other anxious signs. The dog may go hide away under furniture or under shrubbery. It may vomit and will look generally unwell:

• Severe lethargy
• Abdominal pain
• Persistent vomiting
• Severe dehydration
• Collapse and shock (sometimes)

Any of these signs are a vet emergency -- your usual vet probably has an emergency number or have a voice message telling you where to call for emergency treatment. More info on dogs and pancreatitis: https://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/endocrine/c_multi_pancreatitis

Incidentally, more than half of cavaliers offered for post-mortem study in one project showed signs of chronic pancreatitis. So: it's advisable to always avoid triggering foods generally for cavaliers, like anything fatty.