PETS ARE FAMILY, TOO by Dr. Angela Clark HELLO FROM KNOLL ANIMAL HOSPITAL! The holidays are coming and Thanksgiving will be here soon. While our families gather around the table for a big, delicious meal it is tempting to want to treat our pets as well. After all, they are family too! However, be careful with all those great dishes that will be served. Many dishes that are made for our Thanksgiving feast are high in fat and the desserts are high in fat and sugar. While it is tempting to want to treat your pet with these foods, it can cause severe intestinal upset, vomiting, diarrhea and, more seriously, pancreatitis. Pancreatitis has multiple causes but occurs commonly when our pets are fed a high fat meal or table food. Clinical signs can be vomiting, diarrhea, severe stomach pain, fever and even weakness and collapse. This is a medical emergency and, if seen, your pet should go to the hospital immediately. So, while it is tempting to want to treat your pet with some of your Thanksgiving meal, please try to avoid it. If you have any questions or concerns, please call us at Knoll Animal Hospital. We are always here to help. For more information you can contact Dr. Knoll or Dr. Clark at Knoll Animal Hospital 630-668-1748 We are located at 565 E. St. Charles Road. www.knollanimalhospital.com