Thanksgiving can be a wonderful time full of time with family and friends and of course delicious food! We’ve gathered some great tips to keep your pet safe and happy during Thanksgiving too.
If you’re leaving town for a few days, find a boarding facility for your pets or make sure to have someone stop and check on your furry friends. Water bowls can tip over and accidents can happen, so it’s always better to be safe and have someone check in on them.
If Thanksgiving dinner is at your house, a little preparation can go a long way. Taking your dog for a walk or having some serious playtime before guests arrive can help wear them out. A tired pet is less likely to get into trouble. If you have a pet who tries to run out the door, warning guests or keeping your pet in a separate room when guests are arriving and leaving might be a good idea. Having a calm place where your pet can hang out during dinner is never a bad idea, especially if your pet gets nervous having new people around or is overly inquisitive about the tasty smells. Kongs, other puzzle toys, or dog bones can also help distract your pet. Feeding your pets before dinner can also help. Full tummies will make them less tempted to convince your guests to give them samples. Speaking of samples, make sure guests are aware of the hazards of giving your pet table scraps, especially small children. Supervising any time your pet spends with children is always a good idea too for everyone’s safety.
Some things to be extra cautious about keeping away from pets:
- Bread dough
- Chocolate and desserts, especially those containing xylitol
- Fatty foods and nuts – these can cause pancreatitis
- Garlic, onion, etc.
- Raisins, currants, and grapes
- Turkey brine – this can cause salt toxicosis
- Raw/undercooked turkey, turkey bones, twine, skin, drippings, and gravy
- Stuffing
- Sage
- Nutmeg
- Candied yams
- Butter
- Alcoholic beverages
- Trash – that corn cob or turkey carcass could prove a bit too tempting for your pet
There are a few Thanksgiving foods that are safe to give your pets, but remember all things in moderation. Some things that are usually okay to give your small amounts:
- Well cooked turkey with no bones – just remember brined turkey and seasonings can still be dangerous
- Green beans
- Plain pumpkin
- Apples
- Carrots
Keep your vet’s emergency contact number on hand just in case.
We hope everyone has a happy and safe Thanksgiving!
Sources:
https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/general-pet-care/thanksgiving-safety-tips
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/418553359102567397/?lp=true
https://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/uncategorized/thanksgiving-pet-safety-tips/
https://www.petfinder.com/dogs/living-with-your-dog/10-tips-for-a-safe-thanksgiving/
http://irresistiblepets.net/2013/11/thanksgiving-food-dogs-cats/
https://www.petmd.com/dog/slideshows/seasonal/top-ten-tips-for-feeding-pets-thanksgiving-leftovers