It’s Thanksgiving week, a time when we all sit down around a big table with our dear family and friends (both furry and otherwise) and take a moment to be grateful. Celebrating Thanksgiving can be a wonderful time to give your dog a little extra love and reflect on everything they’ve been for you over the years.
Wishing You a Pawsitively Wonderful Thanksgiving
Your dog is sure to be part of your modern Thanksgiving celebration, whether you’re going to plop a pilgrim hat on her this week or just planning a fancy meal for her. But did you know that dogs were likely also part of the original Thanksgiving hundreds of years ago?
Thanks to the meticulously kept records of early American pilgrims, we know that a Mastiff and a Spaniel were among the first European settlers of the United States. They traveled to the New World on the Mayflower, accompanying their intrepid owners on a perilous journey and helping their human friends explore their new home. There were many entries in accounts kept by John Goodman that mentioned the Mastiff and Spaniel who lived at the Plymouth Plantation in 1620.
The first Thanksgiving that took place in November of 1621 likely included these two dogs, and it’s likely they enjoyed the feasting as much as their human counterparts.
Keep Your Dog Safe and Healthy This Thanksgiving
While you’re feeling thankful and stuffed this week, be careful not to endanger your dog’s health. It’s tempting to throw Fido a turkey bone to tell him you’re grateful for him, but cooked bones are never a good idea for dogs. They can splinter easily, causing blockage, choking, and internal injury to your pup. Instead, purchase a bone or treat meant specifically for dogs ahead of time and serve it to your dog with Thanksgiving dinner. Your dog will feel loved and you’ll rest easy knowing you’ve made the safest—and tastiest—choice.
As a general rule, human food is best reserved for humans, not given to dogs. If you’re not sure whether the Thanksgiving staples on your table are safe for your dog, don’t give them to him. Remind family members that your dog has her own Thanksgiving meal to eat and avoid any emergency vet visits.
If you have any questions about your dog’s nutrition or have concerns, contact us any time. Happy Thanksgiving! We’re thankful for you: our wonderful patients and their owners.
