Marty and Laura tackle a stinky problem for pet owners, explaining why holiday grooming can prevent an embarrassing situation.

Anal glands are the dog’s version of the scent glands on a skunk. They also express those glands when they are nervous or afraid. The glands can also become impacted or infected. Pet owners can avoid the embarrassment of their dog scooting his bottom across the carpet during holiday parties with a simple but effective treatment at the vet or groomer.

“They're little glands and they should normally empty when the dog or cat passes a stool and so a firm stool will cause them to empty and just that little bit of material will come out,” Marty said.

Routine exercise, additional fiber in the dog’s diet and regular expression of the glands at home, at the vet or at the groomer will keep your dog healthy and comfortable while preventing noxious fumes and embarrassing behavior!

Marty and Laura offer up five pro tips for a fun and safe holiday with pets. Sidenote, keep your eyes peeled for Marty during the National Dog Show on NBC at noon Thanksgiving Day.

Tip 1… Canned pumpkin, which may well be not entirely pumpkin, is great for dogs and cats! Give them a tablespoon in their food *before* you make the pie.

Tip 2 … Making soup stock from the turkey carcass? Save the cooked veggies for the dog’s dinner so they can join the celebration.

Tip 3 … The microwave is a GREAT food locker to keep the four-legged family out of the food when you turn your back.

Tip 4 … Save a few bucks on fun pet food toppers by looking for “windfall” apples for homemade applesauce, inquiring with your grocery store for bruised produce or checking out online delivery resources like Imperfect Foods.

Tip 5 … Make a batch of *dog* cookies with your holiday baking.

Ingredients

• 2 cups whole wheat flour (regular white flour will work as well)
• 1 cup canned pureed pumpkin (don’t use pumpkin pie filling, as it includes additional sugar, fats, and spices like cinnamon that are dangerous to your dog)
• 1/2 cup peanut butter (make sure it doesn’t contain artificial sweeteners like xylitol)

Directions

• Preheat your oven to 375°F.
• Add the pumpkin and peanut butter to a large mixing bowl and stir to combine.
• Stir in the flour until the mixture creates a dough.
• Roll out the dough about ½ inch thick on a lightly floured surface.
• Cut out fall shapes using a small cookie cutter or knife. Bonus points if you use a fall-themed cookie cutter in a pumpkin shape.
• Place the treats about half an inch apart on an ungreased cookie sheet.
• Bake for 12 minutes.
• Let cool completely before giving to your dog to enjoy.

Bone-Appetit!

Recipe inspired by the American Kennel Club. This article contains recipe information that is considered suitable for pets. However, not all pets can tolerate different foods — it depends on their age, health history, and health conditions. It is important to consult with your veterinarian before feeding your pet any new foods or offering your pet any of the ingredients contained in this recipe.

Marty and Laura are giving thanks and a shout out to the heroes of the week, responsible pet owners. These are folks who make sure their pets are fed and trained and vetted even when times are tough.

This week’s giving thanks charity is No Pet Hungry America.

“Millions of families across the country face impossible choices every day between paying rent, buying groceries or feeding their pets. No Pet Hungry America is here to change that.

“We provide pet food, supplies, and resources to keep beloved pets with the people who love them, no matter the circumstances. Together, we can ensure that financial hardship never means losing a furry family member.”

“Responsible pet owners means feeding our pets, taking our pets and doing preventative (veterinary) work, training even if you're doing trick. Our responsible pet owners are working with their pets every day some little bit, right? Maybe you've taught your pet to retrieve the slipper. Maybe you've taught your cat to retrieve a ball. Who knows?

“Our responsible pet owners are doing great work socializing their pets so that if they come visit you at the clinic, they're not terrified because they've been other places and seen things and done stuff. You can teach them some basic skills. You can teach them to have their mouth looked at, you can teach them to have their ears touched and their toenails touched.”

The Marty & Laura Show is produced by Pure Dog Talk Inc., with sound design and editing by Premium Audio Services.