The Ultimate Pet-Safe Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is the best time of year for spending time with your loved ones and good food while expressing your gratitude for the good things in life. If you are like us at The Gentle Vet, that list probably includes your beloved pets.
We love for them to be part of the celebration, but all the hustle and bustle and change in routine can really be a challenge to pet safety. Here’s how to have the most pet-friendly holiday season ever, and ensure that everyone has a great Thanksgiving whether they have two legs or four.
Pet Safety in Feasting: What’s for Dinner?
One of the best parts of Thanksgiving is the food, and who can resist sharing the finer things in life with their pets? It can be hard, especially with those puppy-dog eyes peering up at you, but it is important. Many traditional holiday foods can be harmful to our animal friends.
Avoid giving your pet things like turkey bones, fatty skin, and side dishes heavy in fatty butter, cream, onions, garlic, or lots of seasoning. Also steer clear of desserts that contain chocolate or the artificial sweetener xylitol.
Consider creating a special treat for your pet all their own. Great choices include:
- A small amount of lean turkey without the skin
- Some cooked carrots or green beans (sans butter please!)
- Roasted sweet potatoes
- Baked apples
- A dollop of whipped cream (avoid anything sugar-free)
- A tablespoon of canned pumpkin (no sugar)
If you are feeling fancy you can even make up something special yourself. Don’t forget, though, that everything should be fed in moderation! Take it easy on your pet’s tummy.
It might also be helpful to remind any guests that your pet is not to have any table-scraps, lest you end up dealing with any consequences like pancreatitis. Keep some pet-friendly treats on hand to allow some pet-safe Thanksgiving goodwill.
Celebrating Pet-Friendly Holiday Style
Ensure that your celebration space is pet friendly. Thanksgiving decor makes things feel cozy and festive, but things like decorative gourds and corn, ribbons, and dangling cords can be hazards if eaten or chewed on.
Likewise, candles and wax melts can cause burns or other trouble. Be sure that your holiday decor is pet-safe and kept in a location away from curious paws and noses.
Thanksgiving gatherings can also be overwhelming for pets, particularly if they are not used to lots of people. Pet-friendly holidays mean having a safe place for your pet to retreat to if they are not feeling the excitement. A quiet room or space like a crate with dim lighting, familiar objects, and some white noise might be their favorite way to celebrate.
Don’t forget that opening and closing doors and anxious animals are the perfect recipe for outdoor escapes. Keep your pets in a separate room when people are coming and going, and check to be sure identification including microchips are up to date.
Pet-Friendly Post Feast Celebration
After the turkey is carved and the pumpkin pie is pulverized, include your pet in post-feast shenanigans. Take a walk as a family, have a game of catch in the backyard, or bust out some favorite (or new Thanksgiving-themed) toys. This can be a great way to bond.
Even with the best precautions, accidents can happen. Having the contact information for an emergency vet readily available can be a lifesaver. If your pet shows any signs of distress, such as vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or unusual behavior, don’t hesitate to reach out for help.
With a little planning and mindfulness, you can ensure that Thanksgiving is a joyous occasion for both you and your pets. At The Gentle Vet we’re here to support you in keeping your furry family members safe and happy. From all of us, have a wonderful, pet-friendly Thanksgiving!