• Dear readers,

    As Thanksgiving arrives, we are reminded of the significance this holiday holds. It’s a time of reflection, gratitude, and love. A time to gather with loved ones, sharing hearty meals, hearty laughs, and heartwarming moments. And in the midst of these festivities, our French Brittany companions wag their tails, their eyes gleaming with anticipation and joy.

    However, as we indulge in the merriment, it’s crucial to ensure our furry friends stay safe and healthy. Here are some tips to help your French Brittany enjoy Thanksgiving just as much as you do:

    1. Keep Tempting Foods Out of Reach

    While it might be tempting to share your Thanksgiving feast with your French Brittany, many traditional dishes can be harmful to dogs. Foods like onions, garlic, raisins, chocolate, and certain sweeteners like xylitol found in some desserts can be toxic. Also, fatty foods like turkey skin and gravy can cause pancreatitis in dogs. Always keep these items well out of reach.

    2. Dog-Proof Your Outdoor Activities

    If you plan on including your French Brittany in outdoor activities like backyard football games or bonfires, make sure the area is dog-proofed. Remove any potential hazards, provide plenty of fresh water, and ensure your dog has a safe space to retreat if they become overwhelmed.

    3. Ensure Proper Identification

    With the hustle and bustle of guests coming and going, there’s a chance your pet could sneak out unnoticed. Make sure your dog is wearing a collar with up-to-date contact information and consider microchipping if you haven’t already.

    Now, let’s talk about making Thanksgiving special for your French Brittany.

    1. Create a Special Menu

    There are plenty of dog-friendly recipes available online that can make for a delicious Thanksgiving meal for your pet. Pumpkin, sweet potatoes, and carrots are all safe for dogs and can be cooked into a tasty treat.

    2. Designate a Safe Space

    With the noise and commotion, your dog might feel overwhelmed. Create a quiet, comfortable space for them to retreat with their favorite toys and maybe even a special chew.

    3. Plan Pet-Friendly Activities

    Consider incorporating pet-themed activities into your day. A long walk or a game of fetch can help burn off your dog’s energy and keep them entertained.

    This Thanksgiving, let’s remember to show our gratitude for our French Brittany companions. Their boundless energy, unwavering loyalty, and unconditional love bring a special kind of warmth to our lives.

    So here’s to a Thanksgiving filled with love, laughter, and plenty of wagging tails. Stay safe, enjoy the festivities, and don’t forget to sneak your French Brittany an extra belly rub or two.

    Happy Thanksgiving!

    Sincerely, Your friends at homeandfielddogs.com

Based on the information gathered from several sources, here is a comprehensive guide to keep your furry friends safe during Thanksgiving.

Foods to Avoid

Turkey Bones, Skin, and Gravy: Bones can splinter and obstruct or puncture your dog’s digestive tract. The skin and gravy are often high in fat which can lead to pancreatitis – a severe inflammation of the pancreas (source).

Stuffing: Ingredients like onions, garlic, and certain herbs can be toxic to dogs (source).

Chocolate and Other Desserts: Chocolate is toxic to dogs and some desserts may contain xylitol, a sweetener which is also harmful to dogs (source).

Ham and Bacon: These fatty foods can cause pancreatitis in dogs.

Onions, Garlic, Leeks, and Chives: All members of the Allium family are highly toxic to dogs.

Butter, Seasonings, and Spices: These can cause stomach upset and other digestive issues in dogs.

Unbaked Bread Dough: It can expand in your dog’s stomach, causing bloating and discomfort. The yeast in the dough can also produce alcohol, which can lead to alcohol poisoning.

Grapes and Raisins: These are toxic to dogs and can cause kidney failure.

Safe Foods

Turkey: If it’s cooked, boneless, and skinless, it’s safe for dogs to eat in moderation. Ensure it’s not seasoned with harmful ingredients like onions or garlic.

Cranberries, Sweet Potatoes, Green Beans, Pumpkin, Corn, Apples: These are all safe for dogs if they’re prepared without seasoning, butter, sugar, or other additives. They should be served cooked (except for apples, which can be served raw but without the core or seeds) and in moderation.

Tips to Keep Your Dog Safe During Thanksgiving Celebrations

Create a Quiet Space: With the noise and commotion, your dog might feel overwhelmed. Create a quiet, comfortable space for them to retreat.

Monitor Your Dog: Keep an eye on your dog to ensure they’re not getting into food they shouldn’t have.

Keep Trash Out of Reach: Dogs can be tempted by the smell of discarded food items in the trash bin. Make sure it’s securely closed or kept in a place your dog can’t access.

Proper Identification: With the hustle and bustle of guests coming and going, there’s a chance your pet could sneak out unnoticed. Make sure your dog is wearing a collar with up-to-date contact information.

Remember to consult your vet if you notice any unusual behavior or symptoms in your pet after they’ve consumed something they shouldn’t have. Symptoms might include vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, weakness, or other unusual behavior.