Did you know that the average Thanksgiving dinner tops 3,000 calories and 229 grams of fat?

That's a lot of rich, high-fat food content for us humans and a dangerous offering from which to "treat" our beloved four-legged companions.

Veterinarians consider the holiday season to be "pancreatitis season" since many dogs (and even cats) are fed high-fat leftovers from the celebratory meals.  The extreme level of fats being digested causes problems for the digestive enzymes that are released by the pancreas, which induces the swelling of the pancreas, and subsequent pancreatitis.

Dogs who counter surf or dig through the garbage can are at a higher risk, so be vigilant and don't leave scraps of turkey skin, turkey bones, drippings, carcasses, gravy, stuffing, casseroles, snacks and other leftovers accessible to your pets.  If your dog has gotten into the garbage or been fed some of these rich, fatty foods and shows signs of nausea, vomiting, fever, abdominal pain, or diarrhea, seek veterinary care promptly.  Check out our links to Valley emergency clinics.

Pancreatitis might also cause your dog to be restless due to pain, sensitive to touch, refuse to eat, have a rapid heartbeat or rapid breathing, be moody or show signs of aggression.  In a severe attack, a dog can seem depressed, go into shock, collapse, and even die.

Pancreatitis is difficult to diagnose because it has some of the same symptoms of other digestive problems.  There is no cure, but supportive treatments need to be taken immediately.  Early recognition is key.

On those days that your pet doesn't want to eat a meal, resist the temptation to add leftovers, gravy, bacon fat, chicken broth, milk or other fatty foods to its food as an enticement for him to eat.  Oftentimes, dogs are smart enough to skip a meal when their stomachs are upset.  By offering these high-fat treats, he may eat the meal anyway and end up triggering a painful and potentially life-threatening attack of pancreatitis.

So keep the turkey and trimmings to us two-legged folks and treat our pets to a few extra hugs and pats or walks around the block during this holiday season.

Happy Thanksgiving to all of you from all of us at Pecan Grove Veterinary Hospital in Tempe.