Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, and plenty of delicious food. For our pets, however, all the extra activity can bring a few unexpected risks. From tempting dishes on the table to a house full of visitors, Thanksgiving can look very different from your pet's perspective.
A little preparation can help keep your dogs and cats safe and comfortable while still allowing them to be part of the celebration. Before your holiday festivities begin, keep these Thanksgiving pet safety tips in mind.
Those pleading puppy-dog eyes can be hard to resist, but your Thanksgiving meal isn't necessarily safe to share with your pets.
Rich, fatty, or heavily seasoned foods can cause digestive upset and may lead to more serious health problems. Certain ingredients commonly found in holiday dishes can also be harmful to pets.
Keep your pet away from foods containing ingredients such as:
Don't forget about desserts! Chocolate, raisins, nuts, sweeteners, and other ingredients can make pies, cookies, and candies unsuitable for pets.
If you'd like to include your furry friend in the celebration, stick with a pet-safe treat or ask your veterinarian which plain, unseasoned foods are appropriate for your individual pet.
It may seem natural to give your dog a leftover turkey bone, but cooked bones can splinter and create choking hazards or cause injuries to the digestive tract.
Once the meal is over, dispose of turkey bones and scraps in a secure trash container that pets can't access. Be mindful of unattended plates as well, especially if you have a determined dog or curious cat who likes to investigate the table.
After preparing a big holiday meal, your trash can may be filled with especially tempting smells.
Turkey bones, food packaging, foil, strings, wrappers, and discarded ingredients can all create potential hazards if your pet gets into the garbage. Use a trash can with a secure lid or place garbage somewhere your pets can't access it.
Remember to check countertops and tables for leftovers before leaving the room, too.
Some pets love having a house full of visitors. Others would much rather avoid the excitement.
If your pet becomes nervous around unfamiliar people, give them access to a quiet, comfortable area away from the busiest parts of the house. Include familiar items such as their bed, blanket, toys, and fresh water.
Let your pet decide how much they want to interact rather than forcing introductions. You can also ask guests to give your pet some space until they become comfortable.
For social pets, remind visitors not to offer table scraps without asking first. One small bite from several different guests can quickly turn into much more food than intended.
Guests arriving and leaving can mean frequently opened doors, giving pets more opportunities to slip outside.
Before company arrives, make sure your pet is wearing identification with current contact information. If necessary, use a pet gate or keep your pet in another room while guests are coming and going.
If your pet is microchipped, it's also a good time to make sure the associated contact information is current.
Thanksgiving can disrupt your family's usual schedule, but maintaining as much of your pet's routine as possible may help them feel more comfortable.
Try to stick with their regular:
A walk or play session before guests arrive can also provide exercise and enrichment before the house gets busy.
Your pet doesn't need a plate from the dinner table to enjoy Thanksgiving.
Consider offering a favorite pet-safe treat, a new toy, or an interactive puzzle to keep them occupied while everyone eats. A stuffed enrichment toy or treat puzzle can be especially useful for keeping pets entertained during dinner.
You can also make time for a family walk, play session, or plenty of extra cuddles once the festivities wind down.
Thanksgiving is even better when every member of the family can celebrate safely. By keeping unsafe foods out of reach, securing trash, preparing for visitors, and maintaining your pet's normal routine, you can reduce common holiday risks and make the day more comfortable for your furry companions.
With a little planning and a few pet-friendly treats of their own, your dogs and cats can safely join in the Thanksgiving fun.