Pets Safety for Thanksgiving

While most of the time the holidays come and go and nothing happens, thinking ahead of how to care for our furry friends will make the holidays less stressful for all concerned. This post is all about keeping our furry friends safe.

All that yummy Food…

With all the wonderful smells of Thanksgiving, our mouths just water in anticipation of all that wonderful food. The same is true for our pets, especially dogs. When we make the food for Thanksgiving we know it will be rich. For many people, it’s the annual day to “pig out.” But the pets in our home shouldn’t have many of the things we enjoy for varied reasons.

The Yeast Rolls

Those nice fluffy yeast rolls we enjoy cause painful gas in our pets, especially the raw dough.

The Skin of the Bird

Turkey skin is fatty and can be too rich for pets.

Onions and Garlic

Onions and garlic are poisonous to pets.

Watch the Bones

The cooked bones from poultry are brittle and break into sharp shards that can puncture the throat and digestive system. These bones are very dangerous and must be kept from your pets. When clearing the table, scrape all the bones and scraps into a bag that goes directly outside in a closed garbage container.

Desserts

Even desserts can be harmful to pets. My daughter works at a vet clinic. Some dogs die from the smallest portion of chocolate, others don’t. It’s not worth finding out. Raisins and grapes are another no-no.

Safe Thanksgiving Foods for Your Pet

A safe way to let your pets enjoy the meal too would be dribbling a little gravy over their kibbles, or giving them a nice sweet potato chew while you’re eating your sweet potatoes. Not too many, though! Sweet potatoes, like pumpkin, are loaded with fiber. Gas and diarrhea may follow.

Decorating with Your Pets in Mind

Decorations can also be a concern. Some pets, especially when they feel they are being ignored, will grab and run with things that could hurt them. Our dog did it all the time. Or they can nibble on plants that usually you would shew them away from. The ASPCA has a list of plants that are harmful to pets. I just keep those plants out of my house. I don’t want to take the chance. Lit candles and wagging tails just don’t mix. Go flameless or go high with the candles. While curling ribbon is usually a Christmas concern, some plants come with those type of decorations, or a gift from a visitor may have curling ribbon or string. String and ribbon, once ingested can cause the intestines to become tied up – strangling the blood flow and causing death. I’ve only had a couple cats in my life that loved to eat curling ribbons and string, but I keep them up high and away, just in case.

Traveling and Company

While food and decorations are a concern at the Thanksgiving, company and travel are also a concern. Lots of company can be stressful to your pet. Noise – even laughter – may be too much for your pet. Fun-loving, rambunctious children can rile the pet, sometimes causing your normally calm pet to snap, growl, or even attack. They may think they are just joining in the fun and get carried away. Company coming and going may allow pets to run out the door. Microchipping your pet or the new “find your pet anywhere” locator collar is a good idea, especially if you are traveling with your pet. Travel can be stressful, upset tummies, pets can get loose when stopping along the way, and more. Boarding can also be stressful and even dangerous. While a boarding facility may be above board, a frightened dog may attack yours. Take precautions when boarding your pet and make sure immunizations are up to date. Look at a new facility carefully. Ask questions. Make sure they have both your phone number and that of your vet.

If you suspect your pet did get into something they shouldn’t have, here’s the ASPCA Poison Control Hotline number: 888-426-4435.

References: 

https://www.avma.org/public/PetCare/Pages/thanksgiving-pet-safety.aspx

http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/general-pet-care/thanksgiving-safety-tips

This site has a nice safety graphic: https://www.petfinder.com/dogs/living-with-your-dog/10-tips-for-a-safe-thanksgiving