Thanksgiving is a time when friends and family gather together, share a delicious meal, and express their gratitude. While your dog or cat may be a beloved part of the family, it may not be a good idea for them to partake in all of the festivities. Take steps to keep your pet safe this holiday season so you can continue enjoying their company throughout the year.
Skip the Table Scraps
It is a special day, but that doesn’t mean you should be fixing your pet a plate of goodies from the spread on the table. There are a lot of foods that are pet-friendly, but there are many that can be potentially dangerous as well.
- Turkey – Plain, fully cooked turkey can be safe for your dog or cat to eat, but oftentimes Thanksgiving turkeys are basted or injected with butter or other seasonings and may be deep fried. Butter and oil can increase the risk of pancreatitis, and undercooked meat may contain salmonella. There may also be small bones in the meat.
- Stuffing – Plain bread is fine for your dog, but stuffing that has onion, garlic, raisins, or currents is not safe for them.
- Dessert – Chocolate, xylitol, and macadamia nuts are just a few ingredients that can be hazardous to your dog’s health. Keep Thanksgiving desserts out of their reach.
Secure Your Pets
It can be a good idea to lock your pet in their crate or put them in a different room with the door closed when guests begin arriving. This time is often filled with activity, and your dog may become overly excited or anxious. Cats can become stressed as well. Plus, if no one is keeping a close eye on them, they may accidentally slip out of an open door. Make sure that your pets are microchipped and wearing their ID tags just in case.
You also don’t want your dog or cat to be rummaging through your guests’ coat pockets, purses, or other bags. You never know what they may find, including gum with xylitol, other mints or candies, medications, and small objects that they could choke on. If you are letting your pet roam free in the house, make sure that guests’ jackets and bags are secured in a separate room.
Give Pets Their Own Treats
Instead of feeding your pet from the table, prepare them a dish of their own. You could add plain, non-seasoned vegetables such as green beans, carrots, broccoli, or sweet potatoes to their dog food or even pour on a little bit of chicken broth. You can also make your dog their own dessert using xylitol-free peanut butter, yogurt, and other ingredients. There are tons of recipes online to choose from.
Keep Your Pets Safe This Thanksgiving
If your dog or cat is not a fan of crowds or lots of activity, they’re like Houdini when it comes to sneaking food, or you’ll be traveling to visit other family or friends, consider boarding your pet at Lake Wylie Pet Resort. You will have the peace of mind of knowing that they won’t be getting into trouble and are enjoying a vacation of their own. Contact us today to reserve your pet’s spot!