Preparing Pets for Thanksgiving: Tips for a Safe and Stress-Free Holiday 

The fact that it’s holiday time again is not lost on our pets. Owing to the fact that there are just so many opportunities to find or cause trouble, many pets exploit our highly distractible states, longer times at home alone, and the sheer volume of dangerous or toxic foods to surreptitiously sample before getting caught. 

On the other side of the spectrum, some pets are scared, timid, or anxious this time of year, and would never dream of stepping beyond the threshold. Wherever your pet lands on this range, we hope that a few of our Thanksgiving pet safety tips might come in handy. 

When to Say Yes

There are going to be lots of “no-no-no’s” in the coming weeks. Your pet doesn’t want to keep hearing it and you’d probably like to say it less, as well. Fortunately, there are many things to say yes to, such as more exercise, snuggles, and safe socialization opportunities.

Good Foods

Because food is so central to this holiday, most pet owners look for ways to include their pets in the festivities. Say yes to a plate of healthy items, such as lean, cooked white meat, steamed veggies, bite-sized fruit pieces, fat-free plain yogurt, and unsweetened pumpkin puree. Provide your pet with this plate either right before you sit down to Thanksgiving dinner or at the same time your family dines together. 

It’s okay to request that any dinner guests respect your rules not to offer any food to your pet. Kindly ask that any dropped or discarded items be picked up and discarded to reduce risks to pet health and safety. 

Hazardous Foods to Avoid

Anything fatty, including buttery dishes, gravies, and meats, should be strictly prohibited for pets. Be sure to watch the table, countertops, and trash bins to limit your pet’s possible access. 

Speaking of the trash, anything that goes in can be incredibly enticing to hungry, curious pets. This can lead them to consume plastic or foil packages, bones, and other dangerous items. Secure all waste bins and go the extra mile by storing large dumpsters in places inaccessible by your pet.  

The following foods are considered toxic and can lead to a serious pet poisoning requiring emergency care:

• Xylitol (found in sugar-free baked goods, candy, gum, mints, toothpaste, etc.)
• Onions
• Garlic
• Leeks
• Chocolate
• Caffeine
• Alcohol
• Grapes/raisins
• Macadamia nuts
• Unbaked yeast dough

Pet-Friendly Thanksgiving

The holidays can be nerve-racking to many pets, and some respond to their anxiety with an intense fight-or-flight instinct. Check their collar and tags and replace if there’s any obvious wear or tear. Check your pet’s microchip to ensure all contact information is up to date. Take stock of your home’s windows and doors to see if any safety features or replacements are necessary. 

Be sure to provide your pet with extra exercise in the days leading up to hosting a big Thanksgiving dinner. A tired pet is generally a happier, more secure pet. If they need a quiet place to retreat to, set them up in a back room with plenty of fresh water, treats, toys, and a cozy place to snuggle. 

If you have any questions about Thanksgiving pet safety, please reach out to us at info@vitalvetcare.com. Our team at Vital Vet Animal Hospital is always here for your pet.