Unfortunately this article won’t help you survive the in laws whilst trying to enjoy thanksgiving, but we will endeavor to help you and your pet avoid regretting that turkey dinner. 
We all know the perils of a thanksgiving feast for your dog and even cat. Or do we ? Immediately you are thinking bones. At the Pet Hotel we often hear and meet the dogs who have consumed the bones of the thanksgiving turkey without any harm befalling them. The truth is your dog may very well survive this. The reason we discourage the consumption of bones found in poultry and indeed cooked bones in general is because of the “possibility” of harm. Some dogs are good chewers and may grind the bones up sufficiently to safely consume. This process is made very difficult with cooked bones that splinter. All the staff here at the Dog hotel refrain from delivering any cooked bones, even when provided by our pet parents. Whilst you may feel confident that your dog grinds them small enough, there is no guarantee that this would ALWAYS happen. Truth be your pet has just been lucky. In fact the excitement of a forbidden feast can cause your pet to “wolf” down the food, bones and all, subjecting them to the risk of a Gastro intestinal perforation. The presence of extra people other than their family can also cause them to eat rapidly without due care, out of fear of the food being removed or stolen. None of our caregivers here at the Pet Hotel will be removing the food, but the presence (however distant) of other dogs does cause our canine friends to behave differently. This is also true with cats.
As your home fills with family and friends remember your pets Behaviour and reactions to situations will be modified, whether you notice or not, they are thinking differently.
Avoiding bones in their thanksgiving feast will assist your pets in avoiding medical emergencies, but it isn’t all we need to do. Acute pancreatitis is a condition that can affect your pet quickly and without warning. Most often it is preceded by the consumption of something they shouldn’t have. Feasting on people food is the most common cause amongst dogs.
Whilst the occasional treat should be okay, think moderation and bite sized.
Have a Happy Thanksgving with ALL your family.
Jenn Dahinten has been involved in health and pet care for over 20 years and is currently a part of the caring team at The Royal Pets Hotel & Spa, a 5 star Pet Hotel just north of Toronto in Barrie, Ontario.