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November
November can have many health issues that seem to be much more of a problem than other months.
PANCREATITIS
During this month, most people celebrate Thanksgiving. There is usually a lot of varied foods, many of which may have high fat or oil contents or high spice levels. These are not usually present in your pet's regular foods. When eaten as a variation to a well balanced diet, especially in large amounts, these foods can lead to a sudden, painful, severe inflammation of the pancreas (the organ responsible for provide digetive enzymes and insulin). Pancreatitis can come on suddenly or creep up slowly. If left untreated, it can cause vomiting, dehydration and shock. Certain breeds (schnauzers) seem more prone but it can happen in any dog (or cat). Treatment usually involves several days of fluid therapy and intravenous medications.
FOREIGN BODIES
Dogs and cats both can suffer from stomach or intestinal blockages from foreign bodies at this time of year. Both animals can get blockages from the bones of the turkey or ham often used for Thanksgiving dinner. The cats are also known for getting a "linear foreign body" obstruction from eating the string used to lift the turkey out of the pan. These obstructions are unique in that they cause the intestines to fold up like an accordian, which traps the loops of intestines and does not allow food to travel through. All of these obstructions often need surgery to ensure a favorable outcome.
If you feel driven to offer your pets a little of the holiday fare, then you might try small amounts of pumpkin (not the pie), turkey (skinless white meat, no gravy), green beans (without the caserole), peas (without the butter or seasonings) and sweet potato (without the brown sugar and marshmallows). Most pets can probably tolerate small amounts of these but some may not be able to stomach (pun intended) even these few foods. Feed at your own risk.
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