As the holiday season approaches, it's time to think about how to make Thanksgiving enjoyable and safe for every member of the family, including our cherished pets. While the festivities bring joy and togetherness, they also pose unique challenges and dangers for our furry friends. Here’s how you can ensure a safe holiday environment for your pets.
What Not To Feed
The Thanksgiving feast is tantalizing, but not all treats are safe for pets:
Avoid Cooked Bones: Cooked bones, such as chicken wings and turkey legs, can be hazardous. When cooked, bones become brittle and prone to splintering, which can cause severe injuries in the mouth or intestines and potentially lead to an emergency vet visit.
Watch for Spoiled Leftovers: Never feed your pet leftovers that are more than four days old. Spoiled foods can cause gastrointestinal upset, pancreatitis, or even food poisoning, which can quickly turn a festive occasion into a stressful situation.
Limit New Foods: Introducing your pet to new foods in large amounts can lead to digestive disturbances or pancreatitis. Be mindful of their regular diet and introduce only small amounts of new items like turkey, sweet potatoes, or bread to avoid any adverse reactions.
What To Do
To make the holiday as pleasant as possible for your pets, consider the following tips:
Consider Their Personality: If your pet tends to get stressed by large gatherings, prepare a quiet room away from the noise where they can relax. Equip it with a cozy hiding spot and soothing music. For pets prone to anxiety, consider acupuncture, medication, or supplements to help them stay calm.
Set Ground Rules with Guests: Pets can be persuasive, especially with those big puppy eyes and adorable head tilts. Make sure your guests are aware of what treats are safe to give and how much they can feed your pet. This is particularly important if your pet has specific dietary restrictions due to health reasons.
Safe Treat Alternatives: Offer safe alternatives like plain green beans, carrots, peas, small pieces of meat, and rice as special treats. Always ensure the portions are suitable for your pet’s size to prevent overfeeding.
Doorway Management: With guests coming and going, pets might see an opportunity to dash out the door. Reinforce good behavior by teaching them to go to a specific place ("place" training), sit before the door is opened, or stay close to you on a leash during arrivals and departures to prevent accidents.
Creating a Safe Environment
Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude and love, and by taking these precautions, you can ensure that your pet enjoys the holiday just as much as the rest of the family. With a little planning, you can prevent the common hazards that this season may bring, letting you focus more on enjoying the warmth and joy of the occasion.
By following these guidelines, your Thanksgiving can be a happy and safe event for both two-legged and four-legged family members. Remember, preparation is key to preventing accidents and ensuring that everyone, including your pets, has a wonderful holiday.
Comments