Does your dog like bacon? If not, you may need to make him an appointment, as that is definitely unusual. Most of our canine patients are very, very enthusiastic about bacon. As it turns out, there’s an upcoming holiday dedicated to Fido’s favorite snack. December 30th is National Bacon Day! Read on for some tips from a Marietta, GA veterinarian on giving your pooch bacon.
Don’t Overdo It
Rule number one when it comes to giving your furry buddy bacon? Don’t go overboard. (This is also rule number two, three, and four.) Eating too much bacon–or any other fatty food–can put Fido at risk of developing pancreatitis, which is both extremely painful and extremely dangerous. This is also a risk with sausage and other fatty meats.
Cooked Only
You may know that there’s an ongoing debate about the pros and cons of giving dogs raw food. While in general, you’d want to consult your vet about this, with bacon the answer should always be a hard no. Uncooked bacon may contain parasites that can affect both people and pets. Ask your vet for more information.
Make Him Work
Does Fido look adorably proud of himself when he knows he’s being a good boy? Have your canine pal do a cute trick for his snack. Just be sure to use small portions for training.
Don’t Spoil Him
Fido is very, very cute, and he is not above using this to his advantage. If you’re sitting down to a plate of bacon and eggs in the morning, there’s a good chance you’ll find your furry buddy at your feet, looking as adorable and hungry as he can. Don’t fall for it! Begging is bad petiquette. If you absolutely can’t resist, give your theatrical pet a carrot stick or a string bean.
Offer Water
Bacon has a lot of salt. Your furry best friend could be quite thirsty after his snack. Keep that water bowl full!
Avoid Substitutes
You may have noticed vegan and vegetarian bacon substitutes popping up in stores and restaurants. Avoid giving these to your canine companion. Dogs are carnivores by nature, and their diets should always reflect that. It’s better to just let Fido have a little bit of the real thing every now and then.
Do you have questions about your pet’s health or care? Contact us, your local Marietta, GA animal clinic, today!
