St.francis Animal Clinic

01/03/2024

Happy New Year

11/22/2023

CLOSED (THURSDAY) THANKSGIVING - OPEN AGAIN FRIDAY
HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE !

07/19/2023

Itchy Dog??
Have you heard someone tell you that their dog has allergies? Has your veterinarian suggested that allergies could be a problem for your dog? Do you suspect that your dog has allergies? If so, then you’ve probably realized that allergies in dogs are not quite as simple as we might wish. For starters, there are several different types of allergies that could be causing your dog’s symptoms.

Types of Allergies in Dogs
Allergies are a misguided reaction to foreign substances by the body’s immune system, which, of course, people and pets can suffer from. There are quite a few different types of allergies in dogs. Skin allergies, food allergies, and environmental allergens all pose challenges for dogs and their owners, and to make things more complicated, the symptoms of all these different types of allergies can overlap.

Skin Allergies
Skin allergies, called allergic dermatitis, are the most common type of allergic reactions in dogs. There are three main causes of skin allergies in dogs:

Flea allergy dermatitis
Food allergies
Environmental allergens
Flea allergy dermatitis is an allergic reaction to fleabites. Some dogs are allergic to flea saliva. This makes affected dogs extremely itchy, especially at the base of the tail, and their skin may become red, inflamed, and scabbed. You may also notice signs of fleas, such as flea dirt, or even see the fleas themselves.

Food allergies and sensitivities can cause itchy skin, as well. The most common places dogs with food allergies itch are their ears and their paws, and this may be accompanied by gastrointestinal symptoms.

Environmental allergens, such as dust, pollen, and mold, can cause an atopic allergic reactions or atopic dermatitis. In most cases, these allergies are seasonal, so you may only notice your dog itching during certain times of the year. As with food allergies, the most commonly affected areas are the paws and ears (but also include the wrists, ankles, muzzle, underarms, groin, around the eyes, and in between the toes).

All skin allergies pose the risk of secondary infection. As your dog scratches, bites, and licks at his skin, he risks opening up his skin to yeast and bacterial infections that may require treatment.

Food Allergies
True food allergies may not be as common as people think, according to AKC Chief Veterinary Officer Dr. Jerry Klein. True food allergies result in an immune response, which can range in symptoms from skin conditions (hives, facial swelling, itchiness), gastrointestinal signs (vomiting and/or diarrhea) or a combination of both. In some rare cases, a severe reaction resulting in anaphylaxis can occur—similar to severe peanut allergies in humans

But what about all of those dogs that are on special hypoallergenic dog food diets?

What most people mean when they say that their dog has a food allergy is that their dog has a food sensitivity, also known as a food intolerance. Food sensitivities, unlike true allergies, do not involve an immune response and are instead a gradual reaction to an offending ingredient in your dog’s food, for example to beef, chicken, eggs, corn, wheat, soy, or milk.

Dogs with food sensitivities can present with several symptoms, including gastrointestinal signs such as vomiting and diarrhea, or dermatologic signs like itchiness, poor skin and coat, and chronic ear or foot infections.

The best way to diagnose and treat a food allergy is to work with your veterinarian to manage your dog’s symptoms and discover the ingredient causing the reaction.

Acute Allergic Reactions
Perhaps the most alarming of all the types of allergies in dogs is an acute allergic reaction. Dogs, like people, can go into anaphylactic shock if they have a severe reaction to an allergen. This can be fatal if not treated.

Bee stings and vaccine reactions, among other things, can cause an anaphylactic response in some dogs, which is why it is always a good idea to keep a close eye on your dog following the administration of any new vaccine, drug, or food item. Luckily, anaphylactic reactions are rare in dogs.

Your dog may also develop hives or facial swelling in response to an allergen. Swelling of the face, throat, lips, eyelids, or earflaps may look serious, but is rarely fatal, and your veterinarian can treat it with an antihistamine.

Symptoms of Allergies in Dogs
The symptoms of allergies in dogs may vary depending on the cause. A dog that goes into anaphylactic shock, for instance, will have a drop in blood pressure followed by shock, which is very different from a skin condition.

In general, however, the following symptoms could be a sign of an allergic reaction.

Itchiness
Hives
Swelling of the face, ears, lips, eyelids, or earflaps
Red, inflamed skin
Diarrhea
Vomiting
Sneezing
Itchy ears
Chronic ear infections
Itchy, runny eyes
Constant licking
Some of these symptoms could also be a sign of another condition. Make an appointment with your veterinarian to get an accurate diagnosis and to help your dog start feeling better.

Diagnosing Allergies in Dogs
If you have ever undergone allergy testing, then you know that diagnosing allergies is often complicated. Allergy testing is your best bet on finding EXACTLY what has your dog in a scratchy shaky itchy unhappy mood!

In addition to any lifestyle changes that might be necessary, your veterinarian may also prescribe an allergy relief medication for your dog that will help control the signs associated with the allergic reaction, such as itching and any secondary skin infections that might have developed as a result of the irritant.

If your dog has a severe allergic reaction, your best course of action is to get him to an emergency veterinary hospital as quickly as possible.

07/12/2023

Dentistry Specials starting at $285 for pets under 40lbs

07/12/2023

If you do not receive a phone call from a member of the staff please remember you can always walk-in! We will happily get your animal in to see Dr.Lorica asap! OR you can always call us! Have a happy Wednesday everyone ^_^ https://stfrancisanimalclinicwpb.com/appointments/

07/05/2023

About AutoShips

Free Shipping
With AutoShip, you can schedule regular deliveries of your pet/animal's medications and food right to your front door — with free shipping!*

Select your own delivery schedule.
Change your schedule or cancel at any time.
You'll receive emails before your next AutoShip is placed and when it ships.
* Free Shipping with AutoShip applies to orders shipped by standard delivery within the continental U.S. Items that require ground or expedited shipping are not eligible.
https://stfrancisanimalclinic8.securevetsource.com/productBrowseView.pml?tag=Preventatives

07/05/2023

Overheating in dogs is not something to take lightly. As the weather heats up, it's important to remain aware of how the heat affects your pup. Heat exhaustion in dogs can lead to serious and potentially fatal conditions such as heat stroke and cardiac arrest. To help keep your dog safe and cool during the summer, here is the lowdown on signs that he's overheating and how to prevent it: hint, a little water does wonders for keeping your pup cool.

Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke
Unlike people, dogs don't sweat out excess body heat. While your dog does have a few sweat glands located in his paws, these do little to help regulate his body temperature. Instead, he does this through rapid, open-mouthed breathing, called panting. But sometimes panting isn't enough to keep him from getting overheated.

Heat exhaustion in dogs can occur when the body temperature becomes elevated above the normal temperature. This varies slightly, according to PetMD.com, but it's generally agreed that temperatures of 103 degrees Fahrenheit and higher are above normal. If the temperature continues to rise and reaches 106 or higher, your pup is in the danger zone for heat stroke, during which the organs begin to shut down and his heart could stop altogether.

Warning Signs
Fortunately, it's not difficult to spot signs of overheating in dogs. Excessive panting is the first symptom. A dangerously overheated dog, according to the American Kennel Club Canine Health Foundation, may collapse or experience convulsions, exhibit vomiting or diarrhea, and may also have gums or a tongue that turn blue or bright red. You may want to identify the problem before it gets that severe, though to intervene and prevent serious overheating. Early signs are more subtle - it may be as simple as your dog seems less responsive to commands than usual. When you call his name, instead of turning to look at you, he may wander away. If there is any question at all, get your dog out of the heat. The Humane Society of the United States adds that signs of potential heat stroke include glazed eyes, excessive drooling, a rapid heart rate, dizziness or lack of coordination, fever, lethargy, and loss of consciousness.

Risk Factors
While all dogs are at risk for overheating if the conditions are right, some breeds are more prone to it than others. This includes dogs with thick coats or long hair, very young or very old dogs, and brachycephalic breeds—those with short noses and flat faces, such as shih tzus, pugs, boxers, and bulldogs. Overweight dogs and those that suffer from medical conditions that cause difficulty breathing or heart problems are especially susceptible.

Extremely active dogs and working or hunting breeds (such as shepherds, retrievers, and spaniels) are also at a higher risk, especially during warm months. You should be careful to not push these dogs too hard, so make sure they get plenty of breaks to rest in the shade and that they are well-hydrated at all times.

Environmental factors can also place a dog at risk. Be aware not just of high temperatures, but also of high humidity, which can increase the chance of heat exhaustion in dogs. All dogs are at increased risk of overheating if they're not given adequate shade or another cooler place to relax indoors. And dogs left in a hot car are in serious danger of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

03/29/2023

Doggie Ice Cream:
Although real ice cream isn't great for your dog's gastrointestinal tract, it's easy to whip up some puppy-approved ice cream at home with ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. Blend bananas with plain yogurt and creamy peanut butter, then freeze overnight to get the right consistency. You can also make puppy ice pops with one basic ingredient: Chicken or beef broth. Simply pour it into a mold and freeze.

03/01/2023

What is more fun then making Green Dog treats for St. Patrick’s day! It’s so much fun, and the perfect healthy treat for your special friend!

Here’s what you’ll need:

3 1/2 cups organic brown rice flower
4 tablespoons coconut oil (warmed to liquid)
1 egg
1/2 cup fresh mint leaves
1/2 cup fresh parsley
1 cup chicken broth
A Blender or Food Processor
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. First we are going to make “green juice” for the treats! Take the warmed coconut oil, mint leaves, parsley, and about 1/4 cup of the chicken broth (add more if needed), and place in your blender or food processor and turn it into juice! Now in a big bowl, or mixer, put your Brown Rice Flour, and then pour in the juice. Mix together. Then add 1 egg and mix. Now slowly add remaining chicken broth slowly while mixing. You should now have a nice green dough ball! Flour your surface and roll your dough out to about 1/4 to 1/3 inch thick. Remember the thicker the cookie, the longer it takes to make them crunchy. Cut into shapes, and place on a cookie sheet. Bake for 15 – 2o minutes. Now you have amazing green dog cookies! We decided to frost our cookies with Fido’s Yogurt Frosting and we used a bit of powdered food dye to make it green! We hope your dogs enjoy this fun festive treat!

01/25/2023

How cute! What a fun idea

Last summer my brother brought home some favours from a small wedding in which the bride's labradoodle was the ring bearer. The favours were...

01/20/2023

Cran-Pumpkin Peanut Butter Oatmeal Dog Treats

Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups of whole wheat flour
1 1/2 cups of Oatmeal flour - simply place 1 1/2 cups of regular oatmeal in the food processor and grind till fine
1/2 – 1 cup of dried cranberries
1 cup of pure packed pumpkin
2 large eggs
1/2 cup peanut butter of your choice
1 tablespoon of organic brown sugar (optional)
Instructions:

Use a standing mixer, crack your two eggs into the mixing bowl and beat for about 1 minute
Add the packed pumpkin, mix for a minute and then add your peanut butter and beat till everything is nice and creamy
Slowly add your flours and the dried cranberries until you get a nice thick…not too sticky…not too dry dough…one that is perfect for rolling. If the dough is a bit too sticky, just add a touch more flour and if it is too dry, add a little bit more peanut butter or a little bit of milk.
Flour your work area and take the dough out of the bowl and put it on the floured surface…cut in half…and roll the dough to approximately 1/4″ thickness and then cut away with your favorite cookie cutter.
Gather the scraps and roll them out and start cutting out shapes till all the dough is used.
Line 2 cookie trays with parchment paper and load them up with the treats. You can place them close together since they do not rise. Bake in a 350 oven for 30 minutes, depending on your oven a few minutes more or less. We made them crunchy and it took exactly 33 minutes.
Let cool and then let the pups at them. They will last in a well sealed container for about 10 days. If you know you are not going to use them, pack them up in freezer bags and place them in the freezer and just take them out as needed. They’ll last in the freezer for up to six months.
Recipe courtesy of thecottagemarket.com

11/16/2022

Thanksgiving and your pup!

Practice Thanksgiving Food Safety
Is turkey safe for dogs? For all those bird dogs, a little treat of cooked meat is just fine. Most veggies get the green light too, but make sure to follow these guidelines. When you sit down to feast, give pup her own special (dog-friendly) meal by topping her usual dinner with a little boneless turkey, sweet potatoes, or green beans. Yum! We’ll have what Fifi’s having.

Keep foods like chocolate, onion, garlic, walnuts, and raisins far away from pup. And as always, steer clear of items high in fat or sugar. Doughs with yeast or raw eggs are a no-go, and can cause bloating that requires an emergency vet visit. Safe to say everyone should keep their paws out of the dough.

A dog loves a bone, it’s science, but cooked turkey bones have a tendency to splinter, which puts your pup at risk for choking or serious internal damage. And skip the turkey skin; it’s difficult for your pooch to digest and can lead to pancreatitis. Keep unattended trash cans out of fluff’s reach.

Decorate Deliberately
Pup has the eye for decor, but also a love of tug-of-war. Skip long tuggable tablecloths and lit candles in low places. Plants liven up any holiday space, but make sure they are doggo-safe. Check this toxic plant list before you decorate.

Read Pup’s Vibe
Dogs can wig out with a full house, so pay attention if yours is yawning, drooling, shaking, moping, hiding, or just acting up. Sometimes the best place for them is away from the action. Keep them happy and occupied with a dog-safe bone or other chewable goodie or a mentally challenging toy or treat. Make sure guests know how best to interact with pup, especially if he’s overwhelmed.

Cancel the Houndini Act
In the midst of all the celebrating—or napping—dogs can slip out undetected. Make sure guests know not to let pup out or leave doors open. Be sure your pal is wearing up-to-date ID tags and is microchipped. This is especially important if you’re in an area unfamiliar to them.

Know Who You Gonna Call
For pups who may have woofed down something they shouldn’t have, contact Pet Poison Helpline, a 24/7 Animal Poison Control Center. For dogs on the run (dog forbid!), contact your local shelters and lost dog social media groups.

Full bellies, full hearts, can’t lose. We hope these Thanksgiving safety tips for dogs make your season a little safer.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
St.Francis Animal Clinic

11/09/2022

HURRICANE PET SAFETY

What To Include in a Pet Emergency Kit
When putting together your pet’s bug-out bag or emergency kit, consider what they will need for at least one week if your home is without power or running water. If you are staying in a shelter, keep in mind that your pets will be confined for a long period of time and may not be able to readily go outside to eliminate.

A hurricane emergency kit for your pet should include:

Enough food and bottled water to last one week or more

Beware of your pet drinking flood water since it’s often contaminated with mold and bacteria, making it unsafe to drink. If you can’t drink it, neither should your pet.

P*e pads, litter boxes, p**p bags, and paper towels for cleanup.

Medical records, name of veterinarian, medication, feeding schedule, and current photos of your pet(s).

These items can be particularly important if your pets need to be boarded, or if you become separated from them.

Toys or treats to ease stress.

A 1- to 2-month supply of pet medications is needed, as they may be difficult or impossible to find during and after a hurricane.

Roomy carriers that allow your pet to move around, ensure safety, and help them to feel more comfortable during their confinement.

Sturdy, extra leashes that have reflective tape or flashlights.

A hand-powered can opener to open any food cans.

Pet first aid kit to help stabilize your pet in its case if injured, until veterinary care is found.

Make Sure Your Pet Is Microchipped
Microchipping is a minor procedure (much like a vaccine) implanted at a veterinary office and can provide permanent identification for your pet, which will be critical to finding them when lost during a hurricane.

Microchipping involves inserting a very small chip under your pet’s skin. When scanned with a special reader, the chip provides an identification number. This identification number is entered into a national database allowing the office to contact you.

Ensure your pet is microchipped, and double check your contact information to make sure it’s up to date with the microchip company. This will ensure that you are reunited with your animal(s) in case of separation during a hurricane.

Make Sure Your Pet Is Current on Vaccinations
During a hurricane, your pet might be exposed to contaminated flood waters and diseases such as leptospirosis or respiratory diseases such as Bordetella. Make sure your pets are up to date on annual vaccinations—especially during hurricane season.

Ask your veterinarian if there are any additional vaccines that may be appropriate for your pet, especially if you live in an area where natural disasters are more common.

Make Sure You Have Enough Pet Medications
Veterinary clinics may be closed after a storm, and delivery may be interrupted. Make sure your bug-out bag includes a 1- to 2-month supply of your pet’s medications, especially if you must spend an extended period of time away from home. Don’t forget your pet’s routine preventative medications for heartworm prevention and fleas and ticks.

Fill Out a Pet Emergency Sticker for Your Front Door
After a natural disaster, it’s common for rescuers to go door-to-door looking for people and pets in need of help. If you make it clear to rescuers that pets live inside your home—especially if for any reason you evacuated without them—this may ensure they receive help more quickly.

Please keep this important fact in mind: If it’s not safe for you to stay in your home, it’s not safe for your pets either. So, make every possible effort not to leave them behind.

Choose a Designated Caregiver
Having a backup plan in case of any emergency is always a good idea. You can choose a neighbor or family member to be your pet’s designated caregiver in case something happens to you. Make sure they have a list of your pet’s routine, food, and medications.

Know Your Pet-Friendly Evacuation Center
Not all evacuation centers accept pets. FEMA offers an app that shows locations of nearby pet-friendly shelters. Don’t assume that all shelters will let you bring in your pet. Know before you go!

Keep Your Pets Safe When Evacuating
In the chaos and stress of evacuating, pets may be separated from their families. Be sure to load cats and small dogs into carriers in case you need to evacuate. Be sure to tape an envelope to each carrier with your pet’s information and medical records for easy identification. Keep bigger dogs leashed or in crates so they are ready to go if you need to evacuate.

Prepare for Possible Injuries
Unfortunately, injuries often occur during natural disasters, both to people and pets. Make sure you have a well-stocked first-aid kit and identify local veterinary emergency offices, in case your pet is injured and needs medical attention.

Keep in mind that clinics will likely be overwhelmed with caring for other animals injured in the storm, so be prepared to wait.

Keep Pets Calm During Storm
Storms are typically upsetting to pets. If you usually give your animals anti-anxiety medications during a routine storm, they will likely need them during a hurricane. Be sure to stock up on those in advance. Remember that our pets often look to us for comfort and security. While hurricanes are stressful and chaotic, do your best to remain calm so your pet feels safe too.

No one ever thinks they will be caught up in a natural disaster such as a hurricane. However, planning and preparation before the storm will make things easier for you and your pet during and after the storm.

10/12/2022

Help keep your pets safe and comfortable with these eight tips:

01. Keep Candy Out of Paw’s Reach
You’ve probably heard that chocolate is toxic to dogs. During a holiday that revolves around candy, it is especially important to make sure your dog is not getting into anything they shouldn’t.

If you plan to hand out candy, keep the bowl on a high surface in between trick-or-treaters. With overexcited little witches and ghouls swinging around buckets of candy, you’ll also want to keep an eye out for dropped candy on the floor.

If you have little ones in your household, make sure they know not to leave candy or wrappers lying around.

“Have a good chat with your kids before the party starts when you have their full attention—and they’re not distracted by chocolate and Nerds and Fun Dip—just about how candy is not safe for the pets,” says Rachel Warnes, a veterinarian with the Oregon Humane Society.

If they like to sort candy on the floor after a loop around the neighborhood, it’s a good idea to keep your dog in another room or in their crate. Also be sure everything is cleaned up before you let them back out.

You should never intentionally give your pet candy. If you really want to give them something special, pick out a new treat or toy.

02. Same Goes for Decorations
If your dog is the kind of dog who tears up pillows and chews on houseplants, you should think about the potential dangers of the Halloween decorations you display.

Jack-o-lanterns and gourds might look like tasty treats when left accessible to a dog—but you'll want to avoid the digestive pain and pricey vet bills.

03. Have a Plan If Your Pet Eats Something They Shouldn't
Despite our best efforts, our pets sometimes consume potentially toxic items. While prevention should always be your first plan, it’s important to have a backup plan and know what to do if your pet does get into something dangerous.

If you know your pet has consumed chocolate or other candy (macadamia nuts, raisins, and coffee are also toxic substances), you should immediately consult a veterinarian or a 24/7 pet poison hotline, such as the ASPCA Pet Poison Control Center or the Pet Poison Helpline. Be prepared to share more details about what and how much your pet has consumed, and an expert should be able to advise you on what to do. This may include taking your pet to an emergency hospital, administering at-home treatment, or monitoring your pet over the next few days if the case is mild enough.

You should also know the signs of poisoning in dogs so you can act if they consume something away from your watch. Some signs include vomiting, diarrhea, panting, and excessive thirst.

04. Choose Pet Costumes Wisely
Everyone loves a pug in a princess dress and a cat in a witch hat, but there are precautions to take when dressing up your pet.

“For pet costumes, just make sure that they’re well-fitting and not rubbing any areas raw, especially under the armpits and the leg pits,” Warnes says.

It’s also important to make sure that your pet can still eat, drink, and go to the bathroom while in costume.

If you think your pet will be uncomfortable or scared in a costume, you may want to skip the full body suit and choose something less invasive, like a colorful collar or bandana.

05. Never Leave Your Pet Unattended in Costume
You should always take off your pet’s costume before leaving the house, putting them away in a crate, or otherwise leaving them unattended. This prevents them from chewing and consuming pieces of the costume or getting caught and choking themselves.

06. Protect Your Pet From Overstimulation
Halloween can be an overstimulating holiday full of loud noises, flashing lights, and people dressed up in masks and other costumes that pets aren't used to seeing. If you live somewhere that attracts trick-or-treaters, there is also a lot more doorbell ringing than your pet is used to.

Keep an eye on your pet to see if they are acting scared or fearful. If they seem especially spooked, it might be a good idea to put them away in a crate or room where they feel safe and secure.

07. Don’t Take Fearful Dogs Trick-or-Treating
It may be tempting to bring your dog along for trick-or-treating, especially if you have matching costumes, but be sure to think about whether that is something your dog will enjoy. Dogs who don’t do well in crowds or are easily scared might be better off left at home.

“Some dogs are … really social creatures and love to be around people and aren’t fazed by the kid wrapped in toilet paper or the person with the bleeding face or the blinking lights,” Warnes says. “For those animals, it’s probably great enrichment, but for other animals, maybe just having their own little Halloween party at home away from all the monsters might be more fun.”

08. Know Your Pet's Limits
Dog Halloween
F.J. Jimenez / Getty Images
If your pet is especially reactive to doorbells or other Halloween-related triggers, you can take preventative measures to keep them comfortable. Think about handing out candy at the end of the driveway so children don't have to go all the way to the porch. You could also turn off the porch light and leave a bowl of candy outside.

If your pet is especially skittish, you can ask your veterinarian about prescribing an anti-anxiety medication.

“You can also talk to your vet about anti-anxiety drugs if ringing the doorbell really sends them over the edge,” Warnes says. “Similar to fireworks—sometimes for the Fourth of July we’ll prescribe an anti-anxiety medication just to keep your pet feeling safe and secure during the one night.”

Holidays are exciting, but they can also be scary and stressful for our pets, so be sure to think about how your festivities impact them. Happy Halloween!

06/28/2022

06/28/2022

Dentistry Special $285 for clients that have had recent bloodwork

03/24/2022

National puppy day …feeding time

12/17/2021

Bullies in my life…..priceless!!!!

11/03/2021

Thanksgiving is a time for community and good food. Why not include your pet in the fun? You can absolutely let your dog or cat have a feast of their own – just make sure you know what foods are safe for them to eat. As always, also don’t let your animal overindulge. Obesity can lead to several health problems, so treats shouldn’t constitute anymore than 10% of your pet’s diet. And whenever in doubt, absolutely consult your veterinarian!

Don’t: Chocolate

Most pet owners are already aware that chocolate is highly dangerous for animals, but it never hurts to get a reminder. Dogs and cats should never eat chocolate, and other caffeinated foods like tea and coffee.

Do: Turkey

It’s generally okay to give any cat or dog lean sources of protein, such as plain chicken or tuna. Thanksgiving turkey is no exception. Just make sure the meat is free of “ fixin’s,” such as fatty gravy, spices and onions. These could be dangerous and make your pet sick. You’re good to go as long as the turkey is all-white meat and free of bones, fat and skin.

Don’t: Bones

Unfortunately bones ARE NOT SAFE – especially cooked bones – as they can crack, splinter and tear up your dog’s mouth and stomach! Dogs are shown chewing bones in countless cartoons so it’s a common misconception that they’re okay to give your pet.

Do: Most Fruits

Make sure you and Fido or Fifi leave plenty of room for dessert! Fruits are a wonderful treat. Both of you can happily eat blueberries, watermelon, peaches and strawberries. Even a small amount of of Thanksgiving cranberry sauce is okay. Cats may not enjoy this treat as much as dogs though since they don’t have the same taste receptors for sweet foods.

Don’t: Grapes and Raisins

Never give your pet raisins or grapes. Unlike other fruits, they can cause kidney failure in dogs. They’re toxic and could prove extremely dangerous or fatal.

Do: Most Vegetables

Who doesn’t love mashed potatoes? Potatoes can be a great food for pets and humans alike. Much like turkey, this treat needs to be plain and free of cheese, cream, butter, onions, scallions and other toppings. Pets can also eat plain broccoli, carrots, asparagus, celery, cucumber, green beans, green bell peppers and zucchini.

Don’t: Alliums (aka Onions)

Many veggies are perfectly safe and delicious for your dogs and cats. However, onions and other alliums are definitely not. Animals should not consume onions, scallions, leeks, garlic and other similar vegetables.

Do: Macaroni and Cheese

Macaroni and cheese is the perfect comfort food, don’tcha think? And this applies to humans and their four-legged pals. Plain pasta is a-okay to feed to pets, and as long as your pet is okay consuming dairy, a little cheese is fine too.

Don’t: Artificial Sweeteners

Artificial sweeteners, particularly those containing Xylitol, might seem like a healthier choice. After all, you should limit your pet’s consumption of sugar. However artificial sweeteners are actually more dangerous for your dog or cat. They are poisonous and potentially lethal to dogs.

Do: Pumpkin

Plain pumpkin is just plain yummy! It also has the added benefit of being good for dogs’ and cats’ digestive systems. Pumpkin can soothe a troubled tummy and double as a delicious delectable.

Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at St.Francis! Now go get your gnosh on!