Thanksgiving is such a great way to bring everyone together. It’s a time of reflecting on what you have and being thankful for the people and pets in your life. Most pet owners enjoy including their pets in on the fun festivities that surround this family holiday. At IndyVet, we understand that those furry family members are important. We’re hoping that these Thanksgiving safety tips help keep you and your pet happy and healthy during this treasured day.
Tip #1: Keep Sweets Out of Reach
Desserts are the gems of the Thanksgiving feast. Perhaps you have chocolate pie, brownies or fudge for your family to enjoy. Just remember, chocolate is not a suitable treat for your pet. Save that sugary goodness for yourself. The chemicals and caffeine in chocolate can cause issues like vomiting and even pancreatitis in pets. Along with chocolate, artificial sweeteners found in candies and sugar-free desserts can be deadly if your cat or dog decide to eat it. Make sure that the desserts are placed on a high countertop or in the middle of the table where your pet is unable to get to it.
If you really want to treat your pet this Thanksgiving, check out these pet-friendly treats from Modern Dog Magazine.
Tip #2: Turkey Bones Are a No Go
Although you may think that treating your dog to some turkey bones would be a good snack, think again. Turkey bones can get caught in your pet’s esophagus or trachea and cause them to choke. Also, turkey bones tend to break into small shards and have the tendency to puncture your pet’s mouth, throat, stomach and/or intestines. Avoid a trip to the vet emergency hospital and dispose of any turkey bones in your home. Make sure that your trash cans have a lid where your curious pet can’t get to the leftover bones.
Tip #3: Keep an Eye on the Door
As guests arrive, your front door will become a busy part of the home. Your pet may not be used to the overwhelming amount of people that arrive during Thanksgiving dinner. Your pet may get spooked and try to exit the home through the door. Keep your eye on the door and also ask guests to be wary of your furry family member. If your guests are arriving at a certain time you can make sure your pet is safe by placing them into a kennel or closed room until everyone is accounted for. Be sure that your pet has on a collar, contact and ID in case they happen to get lost.
Tip #4: Pretty Plants Can Be Pretty Toxic
When you are decorating for your holiday gathering, please keep in mind that many plants can be toxic to dogs and cats. Plants such as amaryllis, Baby’s Breath, Sweet William, some ferns and hydrangeas can cause health issues in pets. If you’re unsure, decorate with faux plants or keep plants out of reach from pets. You can read about toxic houseplants here.
Taking precaution and practicing these safety tips for your pet during your Thanksgiving feast will help avoid any emergency vet visits. We hope that these tips help you and your pet to have a safe and happy Thanksgiving celebration. If you were in need of emergency services for your pet, don’t hesitate to call us at 317-782-4484.