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As much as we’d like to include our furry family members in our Thanksgiving celebration, the menu selection for pets can be tricky. Even a small amount of turkey skin can lead to a life-threatening condition called pancreatitis, and many other Thanksgiving staples are poisonous to pets.   Here is a list of Thanksgiving foods to keep away from animal companions — and a few you can share. Keep in mind that even “safe” foods can be dangerous if you feed too much.  If your pet likes to scavenge, be sure to clean up leftovers as soon as your meal is over, and keep trash cans tightly covered. If you’re having guests over, make sure they know not to feed table scraps to your pets — no matter how much they beg! Foods that are NOT safe for pets: Turkey Skin & Drippings Turkey Bones Ham Stuffing Salt & Seasonings Grapes Raisins Onions & Garlic Chives & Leeks Macadamia Nuts Walnuts Mushrooms Corn on the Cob Chocolate Bread Dough Alcohol Xylitol   Foods that are SAFE for pets in small amounts* Turkey (boneless, skinless, unseasoned white meat) Green Beans (unseasoned) Mashed Potatoes (plain, cooked & unseasoned) Sweet Potatoes (plain, cooked, & unseasoned) Apple (2 or 3 slices, no seeds) * Even “safe” foods are dangerous if you feed too much, so limit portions to about a spoonful of each.

Patellar luxation is a common orthopedic condition in which the kneecap moves out of its normal position. It can affect one or both knees, and frequently occurs due to abnormalities of the bones or ligaments above and below the knee that affect how the knee is aligned in the joint. Occasionally, a luxating patella can occur due to trauma to the knee. The kneecap may shift, or luxate, towards the inner thigh (medial) or towards the outer thigh (lateral). Cats and small breed dogs typically experience a medial luxation whereas larger breed dogs typically experience a lateral luxation.

Halloween offers a fun chance to dress up your pet, but comfort and safety should always come first. Whether you’re buying or crafting a costume, make sure it allows for easy movement and doesn’t cramp their style—literally! If you’re planning to dress up your pet for Halloween, here are some tips to keep in mind: Fit is Key: Your pet’s costume should let them move as freely as they normally do—without blocking their sight, hearing, or breathing. A good fit keeps them comfortable and helps avoid accidents, making the experience as enjoyable (or tolerable) as possible. Beware of Hazards: Small buttons, loose decorations, or long fabrics can quickly become dangerous if your pet chews on them or gets tangled. Stick to simple costumes that minimize tripping and choking risks. Opt for Easy-On, Easy-Off Costumes: Choose costumes that are quick and easy to put on and take off. Pets may become anxious if the process takes too long or if the outfit feels restrictive. Look for designs with Velcro closures or soft ties that can be adjusted easily. Supervise Your Pet: Never leave your pet alone while dressed up. Even the calmest pet can become anxious or try to wriggle out of their costume, which could cause an injury. Keep a close eye on them and step in quickly to prevent accidents. Repurpose What You Have: If your pet already wears a harness or jacket on walks, this can be the perfect base for a simple Halloween costume. Instead of dressing them in something entirely new, use their everyday gear as a foundation and attach lightweight, festive items. Watch the Weather: For pets with thicker coats, heavy costumes can cause overheating. Stick to lightweight options and watch for signs like panting or lethargy. If your pet looks uncomfortable, it’s time to remove the costume. Use Positive Reinforcement: If your pet isn’t used to wearing costumes, take it slow and make it a positive experience. Offer treats and praise while they wear the costume, and don’t force them to wear it at all if they seem uncomfortable. Your pet should enjoy Halloween without stress. Do a Dress Rehearsal: Let your pet wear their costume for short periods before Halloween. These practice runs help them get comfortable and let you see if adjustments are needed. If the costume isn’t working out after a few tries, switch to something simple like a bandana or festive collar. Check Mobility and Senses: Before finalizing a costume, ensure your pet can still see, hear, and move easily. Avoid costumes that block their senses or make them feel restricted—their comfort and safety matter most! Respect Their Limits: Not every pet likes dressing up, and that’s okay! If your pet seems distressed or tries to remove the outfit, don’t force it!

Dogs and cats have a third eyelid, called the nictitating membrane or nictitans. This shiny, pink membrane is tucked behind the lower eyelid and pops up when a pet is sedated or sick, has a mass behind or under the eye, or has a neurological condition. The nictitans contains a gland that is responsible for tear production. Cherry eye is a condition where the gland within the third eyelid protrudes from its normal position, resulting in a red, swollen mass near the inner eyelid that kind of looks like a little red cherry. It is believed to be caused by weak tissue fibers failing to hold the gland in place. One or both eyes can be affected, and improper treatment of this condition can result in dry eye.

Cancer is not one disease, but hundreds. Cancer can be grouped into three main categories: Carcinomas – carcinomas are formed by epithelial cells, which are the cells that cover the inside and outside surfaces of the body. Tumors of the anal gland and mammary gland are common carcinomas in dogs and cats. Hematopoetic tumors – blood cancer, or hematopoetic tumors, include leukemia and lymphoma. Sarcomas – sarcomas are tumors formed by cells from bone and soft tissues, including muscle, fat, blood vessels, lymph vessels, and fibrous tissue (such as tendons and ligaments). Examples of sarcomas in dogs include soft tissue sarcoma, hemangiosarcoma, and osteosarcoma. Osteosarcoma is the most common bone tumor in dogs, accounting for 85% of all canine skeletal tumors. While osteosarcoma is also the most common bone tumor in cats, primary bone tumors are relatively uncommon in cats to begin with. Osteosarcoma is also far less aggressive in cats than it is in dogs. Osteosarcoma typically develops on the limbs (the forelimbs more often than the hindlimbs), but can also occur on the skull, rib cage, and spine. A rare form of osteosarcoma occurs outside the skeleton in the muscles, liver, or spleen. Osteosarcoma is a particularly aggressive tumor in dogs, with 75-90% of patients eventually having the tumor cells metastasize (spread) to other areas, particularly the lungs and other bones. In cats with osteosarcoma, around 40% will metastasize.