The countdown to turkey dinner is on, and that means we’re already drooling just thinking about all those delicious dishes spread out across the table. Of course we’re also looking forward to spending some quality time with friends and family.
But each and every year we hear about cases of pets who’ve gotten into something they shouldn’t. Thanksgiving should be a glorious celebration of all that we’re grateful for. A trip to the vet should not be on the list!
So, to keep the holiday festive and your pets safe, we’ve put together a comprehensive list of Thanksgiving safety tips for pets to keep everyone celebrating all weekend long!
Thanksgiving Safety Tips for Pets
A little extra care and caution goes a long way. Take these Thanksgiving safety tips to heart this season.
- Watch those counters and tables. Even if your dog is well-trained, tempting foodstuffs left out on the counter or coffee table may just be fair game once your back is turned. Keep food you don’t want your dog to get well away from the edges and perhaps rethink the coffee table snacks!
- Not-so-sweet Treats. While we may feel like sharing some of the sweet treats from the dessert table, make sure you’re avoiding any that may pose a risk to your pet. Opt for fresh berries as a healthy, sweet treat, rather than anything chocolate (of course). And make sure you’re checking those ingredients for xylitol – a common sweetener that’s toxic to animals!
- Off-limit Libations. Some dogs will take any opportunity to indulge in a little of whatever mom or dad is having. And sometimes that includes our drinks. Keep alcoholic drinks well out of reach and don’t share them with your pet. The same goes for edibles or other such intoxicating substances!
Tip: keep the bones after the turkey is carved and make bone broth! - Put the trash away where your pets can’t find it. A turkey carcass left in a trash container that is open or easily opened could be be a major issue. Put it outside right away, or make sure it’s well contained and inaccessible.
- Let Your Guests Know the Rules. Whether your guests are pet people or not, kindly let them know not to feed your pet anything you’re concerned about. Remind them about watching the door for attempted escapees anytime they enter and exit.
- A Safe Space. Some pets get nervous around new people or in crowds. Thanksgiving often means lots of people at once and higher-than-usual noise and activity levels. If you know your dog or cat is nervous when people visit your home, make sure they have a safe space to escape to..
Tip: for anxious pets, consider a natural calming aid like Relax! - Be selective with decorative plants. We all love a nicely decorated table, but don’t forget that some flowers and festive plants can be toxic to pets. These include amaryllis, lilies, and of course the holiday favorite, poinsettias. Many decorative plants are toxic to both dogs and cats, so often the safest route is simply to keep your pets away from all plants and table decorations.
- Delux Decorations? Sometimes the plants aren’t the only problematic decor items. Watch those lit candles, hanging greenery, or really anything your pet can get into when no one is watching!
We wish you all a very happy Thanksgiving. Sending much love and joy to you and your family. Be safe, and have fun!
