Pet-Safe Thanksgiving
The Thanksgiving holiday is associated with so very many wonderful things. The cozy togetherness, the walks under fall colors, the football games, and of course, the gatherings with family and friends. In order to make the most out of the holiday this year, don’t forget to include pet safety in your Thanksgiving planning:
Stick to the Schedule
The weeks between Halloween and New Year’s can be very confusing to pets. As creatures of habit, they enjoy anticipating certain events such as bathroom breaks, exercise, meals, and even bedtime.
A great way to promote Thanksgiving pet safety is by maintaining a pet’s routine. Try not veer off course, in spite of social commitments, extra shopping, and even travel. If you aren’t able to keep their timetable, hire a pet sitter or doggie daycare to ensure all needs are met. When they feel nervous or anxious about even slight variations at home, a little exercise can go a long way.
Safety at Home
If you are hosting friends or family this year, we offer the following reminders for pet safety:
- Be sure there aren’t any ways your pet can escape. Add features to your front door, like a gate or screen, that limit a pet’s ability to dart out to roam the neighborhood.
- Check the security of all exterior window screens and doors.
- Be sure that fence posts and gates can’t be crawled under or hopped over.
- Update your pet’s microchip if any of your contact information has changed.
- Purchase new ID tags if your pet’s look worn and hard to read.
- Always store jackets, backpacks, and handbags off the floor or low surfaces.
- Ask guests not to let your pet out without you or feed them.
- Secure trash, compost and recycling bins so your pet isn’t tempted to tip them over.
Pet Safe Thanksgiving Foods
There are a variety of tasty, healthy foods that you can confidently serve your pet to satisfy their hunger and curiosity, including:
- Steamed sweet potato, plain
- Steamed green beans and carrots
- Fully cooked white meat (small portions), with no skin or bones
- Cooked, unsweetened pumpkin
- Frozen, low-fat, plain yogurt
Put together a small plate of these goodies and feed your pet either before dinner or as your family sits down to eat.
Invite them to spend a little time in a quiet room away from all the action if they appear stressed or anxious. Have comfy bedding, favorite toys, and fresh water.
Avoid At All Costs
To reduce the chances of a pet emergency, be certain that your pet is never offered or has access to these toxic foods:
- Poultry skin and bones
- Buttery, rich dishes
- Onions, garlic, shallots, chives, and leeks
- Grapes/raisins
- Chocolate
- Xylitol
- Caffeinated beverages
- Alcohol
Please keep the pet poison helpline website in an open tab, and call us at (503) 498-8506 with any questions. From all of us at Amberglen Pet Care, have a safe and happy Thanksgiving with your family!