Thanksgiving Day Tips for Your Pet
It's a good time of the year to reflect and express gratitude for our beloved pets. Here are a few tips to make it a safe and comfortable holiday for humans and pets alike.
One of the most important things to pay attention to is…THE FOOD! Most of the hazards for pets related to Thanksgiving involve the delicious food we enjoy as humans.
- Turkey is often stuffed and basted in fats to crisp the skin and make the meat moist which is not good for our furry friends.
- Save the pie and desserts for your friends and family. Chocolate can be harmful as well as the artificial sweetener xylitol which is commonly found in sugar-free baked goods.
- Think a dinner roll is safe? Unfortunately, yeast dough can cause painful gas and potentially dangerous bloating.
- Keep the trash out of your pets reach. A turkey carcass and other bones can be deadly to the family pet. Other food scraps can also cause a number of problems for your pets so keep them far away from your pet's sniffing nose.
- Since everyone is getting special treats, don’t forget the special treats (of the dog or cat kind) for your pet and leave the human treats for the humans.
- With the preparation and excitement of the holiday, your pet might feel ignored. Remember to spend some time playing with your pet so they get some extra special love too. And if your animal does get outside and decides to run down the block (or farther), make sure your animal is microchipped so that it can be returned to you more easily.
Quick action can save lives.
If you believe your pet has been poisoned or eaten something it shouldn’t have, call your veterinarian or local emergency clinic immediately. You can also call the ASPCA Poison Control Hotline at 888-426-4435.
Signs of distress include: sudden changes in behavior, depression, pain, vomiting, or diarrhea.
Above all, enjoy the holiday safety with everyone—pets and humans!
From our family to yours, Happy Thanksgiving! We are grateful for your support and taking great care of your pets.