Day after Thanksgiving, some of my cousins and my neighbors were sitting around my den watching movies and noshing on awesome leftovers from the day before. My dog Bronx, casually strides in the room and for our entertainment proceeds to throw up all over the floor (beige carpets don’tcha know).

I could be upset (beige carpet!), but I stay composed as I dash for paper towels, and look beyond the event. On reflection there are two things I came away with (and unfortunately hardwood floors in not an option right now).

FIRST, NO HOLIDAY LEFTOVERS FOR THE DOG!
I admit it, I have been guilty of tossing the dog some bit of meat either because I wanted to share my bliss or he was giving me “the look”. (This time it actually wasn’t me, but the kids, who decide now to go all ecological and give to the dog instead the garbage can. Nice try, but I know you didn’t want to eat Grandma’s roast).

We think these treats or nibbles are OK, but overall, a lot of the stuff we eat is not good at all for dogs. (Yes, and not good for us either, but that’s another article). Especially during holidays, the foods we cook, buy, and bring home tend to be particularly bad for dogs since they tend to be richer and fattier. Wouldn’t you know, t’is the season for mucho leftovers.

Giving dogs food they aren’t used to, even a new kind of dog food, can easily lead to an upset stomach, says Dr. Ken Drobatz, director of emergency medicine at the University of Pennsylvania veterinary school hospital. More serious problems, both immediate and long-term, also can occur when pets help devour the holiday meal. Exercise caution to keep your pup safe for many holidays to come.

  • Too much fat is one of the causes of pancreatitis, which can result in mild vomiting to potentially life-threatening illness. Even if you give your dog just the meat, don’t give pan drippings, gravy, fat or skin.
  • Be very careful not to let your pets get at the bones. Poultry bones like turkey and chicken can splinter and they can stick in the esophagus, where they are hard to reach.
  • Another potential risk is onions in stuffing or side dishes. Too many onions can cause red blood cells to break down and cause anemia. Even onion powder can put the dog at risk.
  • For dogs that tend to eat first and ask questions later, the danger can be not just food, but things may be included with the edibles. Things like toothpicks and bone splinters can show up in the stomach or other organs weeks and months later. Don’t let your dog lie on the kitchen floor where things are dropped. And if she is not trained to stay out of the garbage, use a can with a lid. Your dog may be capable of surprising feats when inspired by food

But back to my vomit on the floor…

As I was sopping up the vomit in paper towels while my guests beat a hasty retreat to my neighbor’s house, maybe Bronx was trying to tell me something more than “too much gravy make belly flip”. My second ‘epiphany’ (if you will) was…

SECOND, I NEED TO GET OFF MY BUTT

Here’s a crazy thought: watching your dog’s health over the holidays will also help you maintain your own fitness.

During holiday months, we have more get-togethers, more meals, less activity, and more weight gain. Instead of my plopping down in front of a warm TV and eating for the second day (of what would have probably been 4 gorge-fest days), I need to think and move on some habits to better take care of my health along with the dog’s. I actually lost a few pounds this summer. Why put them back now?

I mean if I already have to spend the time making sure well-meaning guests are not tossing my dog ham, I may as well spread a little of that effort over habits (and my widening behind).

After I finished shampooing the carpet, I came up with a little chart of how to combine our fitness efforts for the next couple months. Let’s see how it goes.

HOLIDAY STRATEGY PLAN FOR ME AND DOG

Dog
 Me
EXERCISE EARLIER Exercise the dog before guests arrive.
 I am so not going to get up and walk after a big meal, so let me get some exercise of my own out of the way earlier in the day. I’ll feel less inclined to overeat and feel less guilty if I do.
WATER, WATER ALL THE TIME Make sure the dog has plenty of fresh cool water. In fact, I’ll get the kids on this act. Dogs can actually dehydrate in the winter too. And besides, old boy pants more all the people and excitement in the house. Keep drinking water, nice cold water, especially before meals or going out where there will be food or booze. Some of those times that you think you are hungry, you’re really not, you are actually thirsty.
PLAN OF ACTION
 Feed the pooch high quality dog food. I’ve read and had vets tell me the good stuff has more protein and less starchy fillers so the dog will be less hungry during the day. You have to try to stay away from any food with soy, corn, wheat gluten or dairy in it.
 Have some meal/party tactics ready before I leave the house: what will I do when I’m offered (pressed, induced, forced) foods I know I have the willpower not eat, know what I want to eat instead; know how I will handle stress, especially family-induced stress. Don’t want to be caught off-guard
GOOD EATS
 Get better dog food with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants in it. If you keep the dog’s overall immune system healthy, this helps the dog maintain a healthy weight. Food with L-Carnitine in it is good too. This helps build lean muscle and turns fat into energy. Make good food decisions. When I have the choice, I will (try hard to) select lean meats, vegetable dishes, dishes without creams or gravies, whole grains like wheat bread or wild rice, and fruit desserts instead of rich desserts.
A RUMBLY IN THE TUMBLY Just because the old boy asks, doesn’t mean he is hungry. Before I fill my plate, I will ask myself how hungry I am really. Before I go for seconds, I will ask myself, am I still hungry, really.
MOVE IT! I will be taking him out every day for at least a walk or fetch pole, even it’s cold. If it’s cold, I commit to at least 15 minutes. But if it’s crazy cold, we will play inside (keep away is a good one for us) a little every day. I won’t let a single sunny day pass without a walk outside, even a short one, even if it’s cold. Don’t just watch everyone dance, join in! Take your exercise videos with you and get the kids in on the aerobic action with you a few hours after lunch.
BEST THINGS IN LIFE Make sure he enjoys the things that are not food related. Conversation during our walks, a good dog rubbing session, a little wrestling maybe, or just sitting on the couch together reading a book or watching a movie. Remember to do enjoyable things-no matter if it’s a party, family dinner or quiet afternoon-that are not food related like conversations, games, crafts, and traditions
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