Thanksgiving Safety for Pets

Thanksgiving is right around the corner! Many of us are looking forward to enjoying those delicious homemade meals and spending quality time with our loved ones. Fido and Fluffy could probably care less about the actual holiday, but they will definitely take note of that yummy food. You’ll want to be very careful with what you let your pet have, as many foods are dangerous for our furry friends. In fact, Thanksgiving presents several hazards for pet parents to be aware of. Below, a Tipp City, OH veterinarian discusses keeping pets safe on Turkey Day.

Many of our favorite foods are dangerous for our furry friends. Never let Fido or Fluffy have anything containing chocolate; raisins, grapes, or currants; avocado; macadamia nuts; xylitol; or garlic, chives, or onions. If you want to indulge your furbaby, give them a bit of cooked, unseasoned turkey, but don’t give your furbaby any bones.

Candles, wreaths, and other decorative items can be very dangerous! If you want to burn candles or potpourri, place them in high, secure places your pet can’t reach.

If you’re hosting the holiday gathering this year, keep your furbaby in a quiet room as guests are coming and going so your furry pal can’t run out through an open door. Pets can get very frightened or agitated by crowds! If Fido is nervous or over-excited, put him in his crate with a puzzle toy and a comfy blanket. As for Fluffy, well, there’s a good chance that if you peek under your bed you’ll see two eyes staring back at you.

It may help to tire your furbaby out with a fun play session before guests arrive, so you’ll have a calmer, sleepier pet. Our four-legged pals have been known to snatch snacks off the table or the floor, so keep a watchful eye on your furball. We also recommend using secure trashcans, just in case Fido gets into the trash. If your canine pal has a habit of begging or jumping on guests, work with him now, and train him not to do this. As for Fluffy, well, she’ll probably gravitate towards whoever is least fond of cats. That’s just what cats do!

All of us here at Troy Animal Hospital, your Tipp City, OH vet clinic, want to wish you and your families a wonderful holiday season. Happy Thanksgiving!