We have so much to be thankful for every day. Friends, family, our health, and our beloved pets! The holidays can be a stressful time for everyone, including your pets. We need to take the time to break down a few Thanksgiving pet safety tips to keep your pet safe and calm so you can enjoy the holiday together!

Keep Your Pet Away From Holiday Food

Eating a delicious meal is what everyone looks forward to over the Thanksgiving holiday. From turkey to stuffing to cranberry sauce, your plate and stomach will surely be full of deliciousness! There is no doubt that your pets’ mouths will water as you cook up a storm in the kitchen, but that is one room they must stay out of. All of the holiday foods we enjoy are completely unsafe for your pets. The seasonings, fats, onions and garlic are toxic to your pets. In addition, you should keep baked goods like pumpkin pie, cake, cookies and anything else loaded with sugar away from your pets. For a quick reference, here is a list of the main foods to avoid feeding your pet:

• Turkey skin – Fatty foods like turkey skin are difficult for dogs to digest, which can cause pancreatitis.
• Alcohol – Alcohol can cause intoxication, lack of coordination, poor breathing, abnormal acidity and potentially even a coma or death.
•  Cooked bones – These can easily splinter when chewed by your dog or cat. The splinters can cause damage when chewed and swallowed. Cooked bones are a significant choking hazard.
• Corn on the cob – The cob can get lodged in the small intestine, and if it’s not removed surgically, it can prove fatal to your dog.
• Garlic – Garlic is related to onions, which are both toxic for dogs.
• Mushrooms – The wrong mushroom can be fatal to humans as well as your pet.
• Onions  – These contain sulfoxides (thiosulphate), both of which can cause anemia and damage red blood cells.
• Chocolate – Chocolate is toxic to dogs. Xylitol, an artificial sweetener sometimes used in baking, is also harmful to pets. Try to avoid using this sweetener in your Thanksgiving cooking.

Debrief Your Guests on How They Should Interact With Your Pet

Some dogs or cats love having plenty of people around, which usually means extra love and attention. For those who do not enjoy the extra pets and ear scratches, please explain to your guests how you would like them to interact with your pet to minimize their stress. Also, it is an excellent idea to let everyone know they should only feed your dog or cat with your permission. 

Give Your Pet A Space To Relax

Ensure your pet has a safe space to retreat and relax while you’re busy cooking or eating with your family. A crate for your dog is a perfect place for them to rest. It will also keep them out of the way, so you don’t have to worry about them eating anything off the floor or bothering your guests. Keep your dog busy with a bully stick or a kong. Your cat will also love to play with catnip or snuggle in a cozy spot on the couch. 

Be Cautious With Your Thanksgiving Decorations

Thanksgiving decorations can really make your home feel warm and cozy. To your curious pets, though, they may serve as a toy or source of entertainment, so choose your decorations wisely. Keep long-hanging garlands out of your pets’ reach. Candles can also be dangerous if your curious puppy or kitten knocks them off a shelf or table. 

Exercise Your Pet

Before you partake in holiday festivities, exercise your pet thoroughly. Giving them the proper exercise will tire them out and make them less likely to want to cause mischief while you’re planning your Thanksgiving celebrations. If you don’t have time to walk your pet, we offer dog walking services in Newark, Hockessin, Greenville, Wilmington, Bear and New Castle, DE – Landenberg, Avondale and Kennett Square, PA and parts of Elkton, MD. Contact us today to set up your dog walking appointments! 

We hope these Thanksgiving pet safety tips are helpful to you this holiday season. Everyone should be able to enjoy themselves, including your pets! A bonus safety tip: throw away all your trash immediately, so your dog doesn’t get into anything. The last thing you want is your pet rummaging through the garbage only to find the things you didn’t want to eat! Happy Thanksgiving from Content Critter!

Content Critter

Dog Walkers & Pet Sitters in Newark, Hockessin, Greenville, Wilmington, Bear and New Castle, DE – Landenberg, Avondale and Kennett Square, PA and parts of Elkton, MD.