You love your furry family members and want them to join in the Thanksgiving fun. But with lots of delicious food and festivities, the holidays can also pose risks for pets. Not to worry, with some simple safety steps, you can make this Thanksgiving enjoyable and safe for everyone. After all, the holidays are about togetherness, so why not include your four-legged friends? So here are some Thanksgiving pet safety tips that you and your pet have a good time this holiday season.
Thanksgiving Pet Safety Tips and Tricks
First things first, be careful with table scraps. While that leftover turkey leg may seem tempting to share, high-fat and spicy human foods can upset pets’ stomachs and cause pancreatitis. So stick to pet treats and toys to spoil them. To be on the safe side, you can ask your vet what Thanksgiving food can dogs eat and which food items are safe for cats. Also, make sure that the trashcan is secured, the front doors are closed, and the gates are locked.
The last thing you need during Thanksgiving is an escape or trash raid leading to an emergency vet visit. So follow these tips, and you’ll be on your way to a perfect, pet-friendly Thanksgiving.
Keep your pet away from unhealthy or toxic food
If you plan on cooking any special dish for your pet such as a cat or dog thanksgiving meal, then make sure that it does not include food items like turkey bones, skin, and fat trimmings
Chocolate, coffee, grapes, and raisins are toxic to pets – so keep desserts out of reach. Secure compost and trash where pets can’t get into them. Also, instead of worrying about which human food you can give to your furbabies, you should check out safe and healthy Thanksgiving recipes for pets.
If a pet eats something harmful, call your vet right away. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, so keep pets in a separate room during meals and cleanup.
Keep your pet away from Holiday decorations
The holidays bring lots of decorations that can be enticing, yet dangerous, for pets. Make sure any lights, tinsel, ornaments or candles are out of your pet’s reach. Ingesting these items can lead to intestinal blockages, choking or other harm. Tinsel, ribbon, yarn or string can also be an attractive nuisance for some pets and cause issues if eaten.
Double-check that any gift wrap, bags or bows are securely out of reach as well. It’s best to avoid having these items at all if you have a pet that tends to chew or eat non-food items. You can also check out safe Thanksgiving decorations for dogs/cats.
Better safe than sorry – keep all decorations up high or behind closed doors. Make sure any dropped or broken ornaments, icicles or potpourri are cleaned up right away. Taking some simple precautions will ensure you and your pets have a happy, healthy holiday season.
Make sure that your pet isn’t getting too stressed
The holidays can be stressful for pets with so much activity going on. Do your furry friends a favor and help them stay calm. You can do this by
- Helping them to stay calm:
Try to keep feeding, walking, and other routines as consistent as possible. Changing schedules and environments can be disruptive. giving pets familiar activities and structure will keep stress levels in check.
- Providing a quiet space:
Give your pets their own area away from the chaos where they can relax. Make sure they have access to food, water, litter boxes, beds, and any medications. Having their own space to retreat will help reduce anxiety and prevent behavioral issues.
Check on them frequently and give them affection and treats to help them feel included in the festivities in a positive way. Keep doors secured so pets can’t dart out into a crowd of unfamiliar faces.
Adopt proper measures to prevent your pet from escaping
With friends and family coming and going, it’s easy for pets to slip out unnoticed. Make sure all exterior doors, gates and any access to the yard are securely closed to prevent curious pets from escaping. Ask guests to be mindful when entering and exiting.
Better safe than sorry—keep your pets contained in a single room away from the commotion if needed. Provide them with interactive toys to keep them occupied. Make the rounds to check on them and give them affection throughout the day.
A little extra caution will help ensure your pets stay safe, secure and stress-free this Thanksgiving so you can fully enjoy their company during the festivities.
Follow proper safety measures while traveling with your pet
If you are planning on travelling with your pet during thanksgiving, then make sure your pet’s ID tag has up-to-date contact information in case they get lost. Microchipping your pet provides permanent identification should their collar and tag come off.
Bring copies of your pet’s medical records in case of an emergency vet visit. Also pack any medications your pet may need.
Choose pet-friendly accommodations and call ahead to verify their rules regarding dogs. Some hotels charge pet fees or size restrictions. Make sure there are no breed bans.
In addition, keep your pet on a leash in unfamiliar areas. Make sure all doors and gates are secure so your pet does not escape.
Wrapping Up
Remember to keep dangerous foods and decorations out of reach, provide plenty of water and treats, and don’t forget to schedule in playtime and walks. Most importantly, don’t get so caught up in the cooking and cleaning that you miss out on quality time with your pets. They’re part of the family too, so make the time to give them some extra love and belly rubs.
If you follow these simple steps, you’ll be on your way to a safe, happy and memorable Thanksgiving for all. Now go snuggle up on the couch with your pup and binge watch some football!
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