Thanksgiving is a time to gather with loved ones, enjoy delicious food, and celebrate. But while you’re enjoying the festivities, it’s important to keep your furry friends safe and happy. The holiday season can pose certain dangers to pets, from food hazards to stressful environments. Here are 10 essential tips to ensure your pets stay safe and healthy this Thanksgiving:
1. Avoid Feeding Table Scraps
Many Thanksgiving foods, such as turkey skin, gravy, stuffing, and desserts, contain ingredients like onions, garlic, or chocolate that are toxic to pets. Stick to pet-safe treats.
2. Secure Trash and Leftovers
Make sure trash cans are tightly closed and leftovers are stored out of reach. Bones, foil, and string used for cooking can pose choking hazards or cause intestinal blockages.
3. Limit Fatty Foods
High-fat foods like buttered mashed potatoes and turkey skin can cause pancreatitis, a painful and potentially serious condition in pets.
4. Educate Guests
Let visitors know not to feed your pets, even if it seems harmless. Keep pets away from the dining area if needed.
5. Create a Safe Space
Large gatherings can stress pets. Provide them with a quiet room or cozy space where they can relax away from the noise and activity.
6. Watch the Doors
With guests coming and going, doors may be left open. Make sure your pet has an updated ID tag and is microchipped in case they escape.
7. Skip the Alcohol
Even small amounts of alcohol can be toxic to pets. Keep beverages out of reach to avoid accidental ingestion.
8. Decorate Wisely
Avoid using candles, small decorations, or other items pets might chew or knock over. Secure tablecloths to prevent accidents.
9. Be Cautious with Plants
Some festive plants like poinsettias, lilies, or holly can be toxic to pets. Opt for pet-safe alternatives or keep plants out of reach.
10. Keep All 4 Pets Emergency Number Handy – (407) 205-0420
If you have an emergency, we are here for you 24 hours a day, every day!
Count on All 4 Pets Emergency Hospital
We are a 24-hour emergency hospital, operating 365 days a year, providing reference service with highly qualified professionals in their areas.
We have a diagnostic center with computed tomography, X-ray, ultrasound, echocardiogram, electrocardiogram, hematology and urinalysis and we have large and comfortable ICUs and two operating rooms.
Our offices are designed and developed for the comfort of our clients. In addition to a generous wooded outdoor area, designed for dogs to relax with their owners during the visit. Our entire environment is prepared and equipped with what your pets need, when they need it. We seek to offer great comfort and hospitality in our services.