Don't feed your dog Thanksgiving table scraps

photo Though Fido would love to dine on table scraps on Thanksgiving Day, it's not recommended, experts say.

Don't share your leftover Thanksgiving dinner with Fido, pet experts warn, because it can bring significant pet health risks.

Petplan, a company that insures nearly 100,000 dogs and cats across the country, has found that its claims for unexpected food-related illnesses soar over the four-day Thanksgiving weekend, a news release notes. Pancreatitis claims increase by 78 percent and gastroenteritis claims rise by 27 percent. And the illnesses can be costly.

The average cost for veterinary care for pancreatitis is $940, and the price tag for gastroenteritis is nearly $400.

While the abundance of food is the most prevalent pet health risk, the Thanksgiving season poses many additional dangers to pets.

To make the holiday a safe and fun time for all members of the family, Petplan offers the following tips on preventing pet health hazards:

• No table scraps.

• No leftovers, especially bones from the finished feast. Soft bones, like those in poultry, can splinter and cause obstructions in your pet's digestive system.

• Be aware of plants that are harmful to pets. Autumn crocus (Colchicum autumnale) can cause irritation, shock and organ damage if ingested in high amounts; Thanksgiving cactus (Schlumbergera truncata), although less toxic, can cause mild vomiting, diarrhea and possibly depression.

If you want to offer your pet a special treat on Thanksgiving (or any holiday), visit gopetplan.com for pet-friendly recipes.

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