Keeping Your Furry Friends Safe and Happy

Thanksgiving is a time for family, food, and festivities. As we gather with loved ones to celebrate, it's important to remember that our pets are part of the family too. While you’re planning the perfect meal and making sure your home is ready for visitors, don’t forget about the safety and well-being of your furry companions.

Here are some essential Thanksgiving safety tips for pets to ensure they stay safe and enjoy the holiday alongside you:

1. Keep Dangerous Foods Out of Reach

The Thanksgiving feast is filled with rich, delicious foods, but many of these can be harmful—or even toxic—to pets. Here’s a list of foods to avoid:

• Turkey Bones: Never give your pet cooked turkey bones. They can splinter and cause choking or internal injuries.

• Onions and Garlic: These common ingredients can cause anemia in pets, leading to lethargy, weakness, and even organ damage over time.

• Chocolate: Always keep chocolate desserts out of your pet’s reach. It can be poisonous to both dogs and cats, causing symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, restlessness, and even cardiac changes.

• Nuts and Walnuts: Many types of nuts, particularly walnuts, are toxic to dogs and can cause gastrointestinal issues or neurological problems.

If you suspect your pet has ingested something harmful, contact your EAHCC at (214) 547-9900 immediately. The sooner you act, the better.

2. Control Food Scraps and Table Surprises

During a big Thanksgiving meal, it’s easy to overlook what your pet is doing, especially if they’re underfoot or begging for scraps. Here are some ways to keep them safe:

• No Table Scraps: Resist the urge to feed your pet scraps from the dinner table. Even if it’s a safe food, too much can cause stomach upset or even pancreatitis, a serious condition triggered by fatty foods.

• Secure the Trash: Thanksgiving meals often result in large amounts of leftover food, and pets are notorious for getting into the trash. Make sure to securely seal away bones, scraps, and packaging materials that could be harmful.

• Food Prep: If you’re preparing food and your pet is in the kitchen, keep ingredients like raw dough, raisins, or alcohol away from them. These can all be dangerous if consumed.

3. Watch Out for Guests and Door Dashers

Thanksgiving often means an influx of guests into your home, and your pet may not be used to so much activity. Here are some tips to help your pets stay calm and safe during the holiday bustle:

• Keep Pets Calm and Confined: If your pet is shy, anxious, or prone to bolting when the door opens, consider setting them up in a quiet room with their favorite toys or a comfy bed. This can prevent them from getting overwhelmed by the noise and chaos.

• Secure the Door: With people coming and going, it’s easy for a door to be left open. Make sure your pet is not able to dart outside unexpectedly.

• Introduce Guests Slowly: If your pet is nervous around new people, it’s important to introduce them to guests calmly. Never force a pet to interact if they’re not comfortable.

4. Create a Safe Space for Your Pet

With the excitement of visitors and food, your pet may need some downtime. Set up a cozy space for them where they can retreat if things get too overwhelming. This could be in a quiet room with their bed, food, and water.

Also, if your pet is easily stressed by loud noises or a lot of activity, consider using calming aids such as pheromone diffusers (like Adaptil for dogs or Feliway for cats) or calming music. Some pets, especially those with a history of anxiety, can benefit from having a designated retreat during busy gatherings.

5. Be Mindful of Holiday Decorations

While holiday decorations are part of the fun, they can also pose risks to curious pets. Keep candles, electrical cords, and glass ornaments out of your pet’s reach. Cats especially love to knock things off tables, bat at shiny objects, and play with string, which can lead to major health issues if ingested.

Conclusion

Thanksgiving is a time to gather with those we love, including our furry friends. By being mindful of these safety tips, you can ensure that your pets have a safe, happy holiday, free from accidents or health issues. With a little planning and precaution, you and your pets can enjoy a memorable Thanksgiving together!

Happy Thanksgiving to you and your furry companions! 🦃🐾