Thanksgiving with the Furbabies – Keeping Your Pet Safe on Turkey Day

Are you ready for the holidays? This is a wonderful time of year to reflect and unwind, and catch up with friends and family members. Our furry friends will certainly be right there in the midst of the activity, and will definitely take note of that delicious Thanksgiving food! In this article, a Lakeville, MN veterinarian discusses keeping your pet safe on Thanksgiving.

Food Dangers

Never give your pet bones, especially cooked bones! Bones become very brittle when cooked, and can choke your pet, or cause serious damage to your furbaby’s digestive system. You also want to be aware of what foods are toxic to our furry pals. Chocolate; avocado; macadamia nuts; and caffeine are all on the no-no list. You also want to avoid giving your furry pal anything containing grapes, raisins, or currants, as well as foods that have been seasoned with garlic, onion, chives, or scallions. Products that contain Xylitol are also toxic to pets. Play it safe, and just give your pet plain, unseasoned cooked meat.

Commotion

Some of our furry companions won’t blink an eye as guests arrive, while others might be nervous and anxious, or even wary. Keep your pet’s personality in mind. If your dog often barks at guests or jumps on them, keep him confined while company arrives. Crating is one option, but Fido might get lonely or upset if he’s confined too long. Consider getting a baby gate to keep your pooch in a quiet back room. That way, he can still interact with you, but won’t be underfoot. As for Fluffy, she may withdraw to her favorite hiding spot. Just make sure she doesn’t slip out an open door.

Safety

Candles and potpourri can add a warm, cozy glow to your home, but be very careful using these around pets. Make sure to place anything that burns in high spots, well away from those furry paws and tails, and keep fireplaces safe by using heavy, secure grates. Once dinner is over, pick up the leftovers right away, and put them into a secure trashcan, so your furbaby can’t go hunting for snacks.

All of us here at Burnsville Parkway Animal Hospital, your Lakeville, MN, vet clinic, want to wish you and your loved ones a wonderful holiday season. Please contact us for all of your pet’s veterinary care needs.