Watch what your pet eats this holiday

Staying healthy during the holidays is a challenge for all of us, not to mention our pets, says Terry Koppe, DVM, owner of All About Cats Veterinary Hospital in Las Vegas.

So much of our Thanksgiving celebration centers around food, and the most common ailment that pets suffer this time of year is upset stomach from exposure to new foods from the Thanksgiving table. Pets that share the holiday feast can suffer from mild vomiting or diarrhea, or even a life-threatening inflammation of the pancreas. It's best to resist temptation and stick to the foods that your pet typically eats.

"Don't forget to instruct guests about what your pets are not allowed to eat," said Koppe. "It's a good idea to feed your pets before everyone sits down to eat, and keep a supply of extra pet treats around the Thanksgiving table for your pets to enjoy. If you find yourself giving in to those big, pitiful eyes, the safest item from the table is a small portion of lean turkey without the skin, gravy or any bones."

With all the activity in the kitchen, pets like to steal tidbits of food that fall on the floor or end up in the trash. Some foods that are nontoxic to humans can be hazardous to our pets.

According to Koppe, it's not clear why, but raisins and grapes have been shown to occasionally cause kidney failure in dogs and macadamia nuts can cause weakness and tremors in dogs. Ingestion of a large quantity of Xylitol, a sugar substitute, can cause a drop in blood sugar leading to weakness or even seizures. Onions and garlic can cause damage to the red blood cells in some pets, causing anemia. Raw meats or eggs can cause food poisoning from Salmonella or E. Coli, just like in people.

Brad Logan, operator of the Petland store in the Boca Park Marketplace Shopping Center, concurs.

"Our pampered pets have become couch potatoes who receive little exercise and are being fed foods that often lack true nutritional value. At Petland, we counsel pet owners to avoid table scraps, to offer nutritional pet foods in monitored portions, and to get out and exercise a bit with their best friends."

Obesity in pets is becoming a real concern. Not only does it shorten pets' lives, it also dramatically increases health risks. Diabetes, heart disease and joint ailments are among the obesity-related concerns for pets.

Data released by Veterinary Pet Insurance of Brea, Calif., indicated that in 2006, 7 percent of all medical claims were related to pet obesity. The company reports 25 to 40 percent of pets in America, compared to up to 60 percent of American adults, are overweight, with obesity being defined as 10 to 15 percent more than ideal body weight for their specific breed.

For a holiday free from a visit to the vet, Koppe says a little preparation will go a long way in making sure Thanksgiving festivities are fun and safe for your dog and cat.