Thanksgiving is a festive time of family, food, and fun. But for pets, the holiday festivities can pose some significant health risks. Here are 6 quick tips to help you and your pets have a happy and healthy Thanksgiving holiday!
Six Tips For a Stress Free Thanksgiving
Keep these safety tips top of mind to create a safe Thanksgiving for your furry family.
Skip the table scraps. Offer your pets a couple extra pieces of their kibble to make them feel included in the feast. Or if you’re feeling guilty consider purchasing an extra can of pumpkin puree. Dogs love a little tablespoon of pumpkin on top of their kibble and its good for them too!
Skip the sweets. Still feeling a bit guilty about not giving your pup a special treat? Try these easy 3 ingredient treats for your furry friend, Peanut Butter and Pumpkin Dog Balls. You’ll need:
1 C pumpkin puree
½ C Peanut Butter (make certain it doesn’t contain Xylitol!)
2 ½ C Old fashioned or Quick Oats
Mix the ingredients together until well combined then shape them into the appropriate sized ball for your dogs. Place them on a wax paper, freezer paper or parchment paper lined baking sheet and place them in the fridge for an hour. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge and use them within a week. Always check with your vet if your pet has allergy issues or a sensitive tummy.
Be cautious with alcoholic beverages. No substitutions here keep them away from anything alcoholic. If you’re having a large gathering this Thanksgiving, don’t leave alcoholic drinks unattended where a curious pooch can reach them. Also, alcohol can be found in uncooked yeast dough as well. A belly full of raw bread dough can cause your dog to experience bloating and put your animal at risk for stomach torsion (or twist)—a potentially serious condition that may require surgical intervention.
Tag or microchip your pet. With so many people coming and going and so many trips loading the car it’s easy to have your furry friend slip past you in the confusion and hustle and bustle. Thanksgiving is traditionally a high-travel holiday: If your dog runs off or becomes lost far from home, the chances of your pet being safely returned dramatically increase if your animal is wearing some form of identification. A tag can help a Good Samaritan contact you if your animal is found.
Watch out for unwanted behaviors with guests. Some pet cautions are more about the actions of people. If your dog experiences stress or anxiety around large groups of people, it may be best to talk to your guests about dog etiquette before they arrive. If you have a skittish animal, make introductions slowly and be sure your pooch has a safe place to retreat to if the clamor of the holiday festivities becomes overwhelming. Also, if you don’t know how your animal will react to crowds or kids, be sure all encounters are supervised, especially those with young children.
Hire a professional pet sitter. If your travel plans for the Thanksgiving holiday won’t be including your pet, be sure to locate a professional pet sitter. Enjoy a safe and happy Thanksgiving.
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