Thanksgiving is right around the corner, which means your home will soon be filled with family and food. As the Holiday season can be stressful, it can also be a stressful time for your pets too. Of course, you will want to focus on your guests, but you can’t forget about your pets and their needs!
Your guests are not the only ones that need special attention to make your holiday enjoyable and hazard-free, so keep reading to learn how to make it fun and safe for your dog this Thanksgiving with these dos and don’ts for pet parents!
- Supervise children at all times with your dog! While your grand-babies, nieces, nephews may be delighted with your pet and are trying to be gentle, sometimes kids don’t realize how rough they’re being. For everyone’s safety and comfort, make sure your dog isn’t left unsupervised with children.
- Try not to expect more out of your dog than what they can handle: for example, a dog that who is used to spending a significant amount of time alone or with your family might be overwhelmed with a room full of chattering people. Finding time to let your pet be alone so they do not panic is important!
- Consider setting up a special room or crate that your pet can spend some time away from the crowd in. While it’s already hectic enough with a room full of relatives and children, you’re busy refilling drinks, finalizing touches on your food, clearing plates, etc. You’ll be relieved to know that your pet is comfortable and occupied.
Naturally, you’re a busy-bee in the kitchen preparing the meal, but there’s activities going on outside like football or frisbee. Have your dog engage outside to get exercise so that way they’re not cooped up in their special room all day and bored (which can lead to misbehavior)! Other things that you can do for your dog during the holidays is to make time throughout the day to go for a walk.
- If the weather is good and you just devoured that Thanksgiving meal, take your pup on a nice walk so you and your fur baby can recharge!
- Get your pet a special toy to play with and be occupied by while the guests are talking or watching television!
- Play a game of fetch, get your pup worn out before all of your guests arrive so that way, he or she is less likely to jump on everyone out of excitement!
Holiday Food and Pets
Most importantly, a dog’s digestive system, for example, is very different from a human. Typical human food much like what is served during the holidays is often too rich and fatty for a dog to properly digest; eating can lead to vomiting, diarrhea and even more severe conditions like pancreatitis. Try not to let your pup snack all day regardless if they’re healthy treats, they can get sick if they eat too much. A dental chew or an interactive toy will be a great way to keep them occupied!
Some scraps to avoid:
Any cooked bones or small bones like chicken or turkey bones, and ham bones. Cooked bones are a hazard to pets- they can cause blockages or choking hazards which will land them in the ER during the holidays.
Meat skins, fat or trimmings. Your pup may look oh so cute begging for these delicious items, but unfortunately these parts of meat, if allowed to indulge in, can cause pancreatitis that often requires at minimum, an overnight stay or two and IV fluids which can be costly. Think before you give them these types of scraps.
Do not give your dog chocolate, onions, grapes or raisins! All of these are toxic and can be fatal if your dog eats them.
Have a happy and safe holiday season!