While we think
of our dogs as another member of the family, it’s not always best to have them
take part in all the Thanksgiving festivities. To make sure your pooch has a
safe and stress-free holiday, there are some safety tips to keep in mind:
Too many cooks in
the kitchen
A full day of
cooking means you’ll likely have some four-legged company in the kitchen.
Uncooked food and herbs can cause your pet gastrointestinal upset, so keep an
eye on food while prepping dinner. In particular, keep dogs away from raw
dough, cake batter, uncooked eggs, raw meat, and herbs.
Don’t let your dog
overindulge
If you do decide
to give your pet a little bit of turkey, make sure it has no seasoning, skin,
or bones and is well cooked. For a refresher on foods that can be harmful for
your dog, check out a list on the ASPCA website.
A little bit of
food here and there can add up, causing stomach upset, vomiting, or in severe
cases pancreatitis. Let your guests know that your pup shouldn’t be given any
table scraps, so you can keep track of what and how much your dog has eaten.
Other “food
sources”
Your dog may
look for other sources of food, like in the trash or traces of food on aluminum
foil, wax paper, and plastic wrap. If ingested, these items could make your dog
quite sick. Make sure garbage is secure and food coverings are kept out of
reach.
Have some down time
for your pet.
Thanksgiving can
be a stressful and busy time for both people and pets. In the rush to get
everything ready, don’t forget to take your dog out for its regular walks. The
exercise will also help tire your dog out before company arrives. You can also
set aside a stuffed Kong treat and special chew toys to keep your dog
preoccupied while everyone is arriving. When guests are over, make sure you set
aside a quiet space away from the crowd in case your pet needs a break.
Keep an eye on
exits
Your pet should
have restricted access to exits, like the front door and garage, to prevent
them from running out while people are entering and exiting. Just in case, your
pet should be wearing its collar and ID at all times while company is over.
Following these
simple tips can help you and your pet get the most out of your Thanksgiving
holiday!
Soon we'll be posting some absolutely scrumptious Thanksgiving recipes that are pup-friendly, so keep an eye out for those!
Keep your tails wagging,
Bear's P4ws
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