Keeping Your Furry Friends Happy and Healthy
Thanksgiving is a time for feasting, family, and fun, but it can also be a stressful time for our furry friends. With new faces, tempting treats, and potential hazards lurking around every corner, it’s important to take extra precautions to ensure your pets have a safe and enjoyable holiday.
Here’s a guide to help you keep your pets happy, healthy, and out of trouble this Thanksgiving:
Create a Safe Haven – With guests coming and going, the doorbell ringing, and the general hustle and bustle of the day, Thanksgiving can be overwhelming for pets, especially those who are shy or easily startled. Set up a quiet, comfortable room where your pet can retreat from the chaos.
Essential Supplies: Make sure the room is stocked with their bed, favorite toys, food, and water.
Minimize Stress: Consider using calming aids like pheromone diffusers or white noise machines to create a relaxing atmosphere.
Secure the Space: Ensure the room is escape-proof, especially if your pet is prone to bolting.
Feast with Caution: Pet-Friendly Treats and No-No Lists – While it’s tempting to share Thanksgiving goodies with your pets, many holiday staples can be harmful or even toxic to them.
Safe Snacks: Stick to small amounts of plain, cooked turkey (no bones or skin!), and consider offering pet-specific treats or a small portion of their regular food.
Dangerous Foods: Keep your pet away from these common Thanksgiving no-nos:
Xylitol (artificial sweetener): Can cause a dangerous drop in blood sugar.
Turkey bones: Can splinter and cause serious internal injuries.
Fatty foods: Can lead to pancreatitis.
Onions, garlic, chives: Toxic to pets, even in small amounts.
Chocolate: Highly toxic to dogs.
Raisins and grapes: Can cause kidney failure.
Alcohol: Can lead to alcohol poisoning.
Secure the Trash – Thanksgiving generates a lot of trash, and those tempting smells can be irresistible to curious pets.
Securely tie up trash bags and keep them in a pet-inaccessible container to prevent accidental ingestion of harmful food scraps or other hazards.
Decorate with Care – Festive decorations can pose risks to pets. Take these precautions:
Floral arrangements: Keep potentially toxic plants like lilies, amaryllis, and holly out of reach.
Candles: Place candles in secure holders where they can’t be knocked over by wagging tails or curious paws.
Cords and wires: Secure electrical cords to prevent chewing and electrocution.
Ornaments: Avoid fragile or small ornaments that could be swallowed or broken, posing a choking hazard.
Traveling for Thanksgiving? Pack for Your Pet – If you’re traveling with your pet, ensure a smooth and safe journey by:
Packing essentials: Bring enough food, medication, and familiar items to keep your pet comfortable.
Securing your pet: Use a carrier or seatbelt harness to restrain your pet during car travel.
Boarding tips: If boarding your pet, ensure they are up-to-date on vaccinations and bring along their favorite toys and bedding to reduce stress.
Communicate with Guests – Let your guests know about the house rules regarding your pet, especially when it comes to feeding them.
Provide pet-friendly treats for guests who can’t resist those pleading eyes.
Monitor and Supervise – Keep a close eye on your pet throughout the day.
If they seem stressed or overwhelmed, provide them with breaks in their safe space.
By following these tips, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable Thanksgiving for both you and your furry family members. Remember, a little planning and precaution go a long way in preventing holiday mishaps.