Thanksgiving is a widely celebrated day that crosses over many nationalities and religions. For hundreds of years, Thanksgiving has held a special meaning across so many cultures around the world.
Thanksgiving is a time for sumptuous feasts and good food. It’s not just humans that enjoy the holiday feast and overeat on these occasions. Pets also don’t want to be left out of the Thanksgiving dinner.
Consider Thanksgiving from your pet’s point of view: There’s a never-ending buffet of delicious human food! So, the Thanksgiving holiday should be their favorite!
Tips for keeping your pet out of trouble on Thanksgiving
There are so many temptations on Thanksgiving feasting. However, with a little planning, you can avoid the common horror of getting your pet in the wrong part of the festivities. Here’s some useful advice on Thanksgiving with pets.
- Give them plenty of exercises
Pets, particularly dogs, need some exercise and physical activity to release their pent-up energy. Without sufficient physical activity, they may indulge in destructive activities or develop anxiety symptoms. Some pets even develop behavioral problems and bite their way to escape.
Try taking your four-legged companion out for some serious physical activities. Your pet may become too tired to care about all fireworks and festivities.
- Wear collar with ID tags
No matter where you’re keeping your pet, make sure their ID collar is on and updated. If you’ll be outside with your pet, keep him on the leash and be prepared for sudden attempts to run and escape.
Write your name, permanent address, and contact number. You must ensure that your contact info listed is up to date and that your dog is wearing his ID tag.
- Update your pet’s microchip
Thanksgiving holidays are a great time to make sure identification tags and microchips are updated. If your pet is lost but is microchipped, there’s a better chance he will return home safely. This information will help you to reunite with your four-legged family member.
- Ensure that your pet doesn’t accidentally ingest something harmful
When preparing and serving your Thanksgiving meal, take steps to ensure your pet doesn’t accidentally ingest something harmful. Keep foods out of reach of your pet and remind kids not to feed the pet from the table. Also, tell your guests not to sneak your pet table scraps.
Party planning
If you’re planning to host a large Thanksgiving party, pets may get anxious or scared by the unfamiliar environment. Here’s what you can do:
- Show your pets that guests are not threats. Make sure your pets see you interacting happily with guests. This will have a positive impact on how your pet behaves around guests at the Thanksgiving party.
- You can create a pet-safe room, an area of the home they’re familiar with. The room should be comfortable and must be a place where guests are unlikely to wander into. It’ll help them get used to the new people, sights, and smells.
- Keep a close eye on your pets, particularly as guests enter and exit. Make sure they aren’t able to make a break for it through the entrance door.
Safe and unsafe treats for pets at Thanksgiving
Choosing healthy treats for your pet at Thanksgiving is not always easy. There are plenty of options out there and one tends to get confused easily.
Treats that you can share with your pet at Thanksgiving
So, how do you know which treats are suitable for your four-legged friend? Below are some safe and satisfying treats that you can share with your pets at Thanksgiving:
- Turkey breast
- Raw veggies
- Pumpkin
- Most of the fruits
- Cheese
- Salmon
Treats that should be avoided at Thanksgiving
Treats that are not safe for your pets at Thanksgiving include:
- Desserts like chocolate, cake, cookies, and pies
- Nuts especially walnuts
- Beer, wine, or anything that includes alcohol
- Bones that are likely to splinter
- Turkey skin
- Onion and garlic
- Mushrooms
- Bread dough
- Some herbs and spices
- Avocado
- Xylitol, an artificial sweetener
Signs of pet poisoning and distress include sudden changes in behavior, depression, pain, vomiting, diarrhea, or seizure episodes. Talking to your vet is important as it can help ease concerns you may have regarding your pet’s health.
Final Thoughts
Remember that timely action can save lives. It’s important to understand that as a pet parent, you are responsible for the wellbeing of your four-legged friend. If you believe your pet has eaten something he shouldn’t have, contact your vet or local veterinary emergency clinic immediately.
By now, you must have a good idea of how to keep your pet safe at Thanksgiving. Keep in mind that treats should be given to your pets in moderation. Excess amounts may result in stomach upset or allergies.
Did you find this article useful? Feel free to share your thoughts. We would be happy to hear from you!