Man this last year has flown by, and we now find ourselves standing face to face with the holiday seasons responsible for the death of more beach bodies than you can count. There are so many delicious smells, and foods associated with the fall and winter festivities that it can get your mouth watering just thinking about them. Which got me thinking... If just the thought of turkey, pumpkin pie, and sugar cookies has my mouth watering then what are the actual smells doing to my dog?
Scientists guess that a dog's sense of smell is somewhere between 10,000 to 100,000 times more acute than ours! That may be a big jump between numbers, but even if it is only 10,000 times greater than ours that's still a lot! So, if the smell of the turkey cooking in the oven makes me want to devour it, then just imagine the delicious sensory overload Chowder is going through. It's no wonder so many dogs find themselves in the dog house during the holidays. For some, the smell and drive to partake in the spoils of the pack can just prove too overwhelming. And let's face it, dogs are opportunistic. If the opportunity presents itself, a lot of dogs are going to take it. Especially if solid rules, and boundaries are not in place.
I know I have said it before, but the more you hear it the more you'll remember it. As leaders we are responsible for the welfare of our pack. Which means we need to always be considering the consequences of our actions, or inactions. So, it's time to prepare ourselves for the job at hand. How? By keeping our dogs safe through the knowledge of what they can and can not have this thanksgiving!
Doggy Approved Thanksgiving Treats:
Sweet Potatoes: Sweet potatoes are a great source of dietary fiber, vitamin B6, vitamin C, and beta-carotene; however you want to make sure that nothing has been added to them.
Potatoes: Potatoes are a great safe option for your dog, but hold the butter, sour cream, or any other additions.
Apples: Raw apples are a yummy treat that a lot of dogs enjoy. Make sure all seeds are removed!
Turkey: Yes, your meat loving pooch can have some turkey this thanksgiving as long as it is just the meat and does not include the skin that has been seasoned.
Pumpkin: Pumpkin helps with digestive health and it’s great for a dog’s skin and coat. It is a great treat as long as it has no added seasonings.
Green Beans: With ample amounts of plant fiber, manganese, and vitamins C and K, plain green beans are great for dogs
Peas: Plain peas can be a yummy addition to your dogs thanksgiving dinner.
Carrots: Raw or steamed carrots free from any additions are a food large number of dogs go crazy for; plus they are good for your pup too!
Dessert: Want to give your dog extra special treat for dessert? Plain frozen yogurt is a fun healthy way to spoil your dog as it will give them a dose of calcium, protein, and live bacteria that acts as probiotics.
Thanksgiving Doggy NO, NO's!
Turkey bones, skin, and gravy
Stuffing
Casseroles
Mashed potatoes
Creamed peas
Alcoholic beverages
Raisins and grapes
Ham
Yeast dough
Fatty foods
Chocolate, cookies, pies, and sweets (especially anything containing xylitol)
Onions, scallions, and garlic
Foods containing spices
Macadamia Nuts
Milk and Dairy
Nobody wants to spend their thanksgiving in the vet's office with a sick pup, so make sure that you are only feeding doggy approved treats. In addition, make sure all waste is put up where your dog can not get to it. Like I said earlier, dogs are opportunistic, and will take advantage of a trash can full of leftover holiday yummy' s given the opportunity.
Stay Calm. Stay Confident. Stay Safe!
Lead with Purpose!
