Who doesn’t enjoy a Thanksgiving feast? The smell of turkey and stuffing in the air, getting together with friends and family to give thanks, and lots of football on TV make it a fulfilling kick-off to the holiday season! You’ll undoubtedly want to include your fur babies in on the festivities, and Wisconsin Pet Care has a few helpful holiday hints to keep your dog or cat safe this turkey day!
#1: Make no bones about it! Those turkey bones can be a choking hazard for pups and kitties. So listen up turkey carvers: Discard the bones in a sealable container – even the wishbone! It’s definitely easier just to toss them in the trash, but where there’s meat, there’s often a hungry dog or cat. When you leave the kitchen to dine on stuffing and mashed potatoes, your four-legged friend might find his own feast in the garbage can. Avoid messes and other dangers by immediately bagging up the trash and taking it outdoors, sealing up bones and unsafe food (i.e. that bag of giblets that has been sitting in the trash since the bird went in the oven) in a separate container and/or keeping your animals out of the kitchen completely.
#2: Remember that not all human food is safe for your pet. Raisins, often found in stuffing, can pose serious health concerns for your dog. Often resulting in kidney failure, this dried fruit can be harmful if ingested (as can grapes, wine, sage and onions!). If you suspect that your dog or cat has eaten an item that is poisonous to them, the ASPCA recommends that you call the Animal Poison Control Center: (888) 426-4435. In the event that your dog or cat is exhibiting symptoms, such as vomiting or diarrhea, you will want to contact your local emergency veterinary care provider immediately.
#3: All things in moderation. Of course, after subjecting your paw-pals to a house filled with the smells of your delicious feast, it’s only natural to want to share! And while a “taste” is permissible, you will want to keep in mind that your dog or cat is not accustomed to eating these types of foods. More than a few bites could cause nausea, vomiting or diarrhea in your pet. It is important to keep the “feast” to a “nibble” (and turkey fat/trimmings should definitely not make an appearance in his bowl – fatty foods can cause pancreatitis in dogs and cats).
#4 Avoid kitchen collisions. While your dog or cat may usually be the master of her domain, you may wish to consider keeping them out of the kitchen during Thanksgiving prep. A playful pup or kitty underfoot is cute during a routine weeknight dinner. However, composing a smorgasbord means that hot dishes are being moved around. As a result, the potential for tripping and spilling boiling contents onto your furry friend, or simply falling on top of them, is much higher than usual. You can prevent these accidents from occurring by keeping your dog or cat away from the stove, the utensils and the bustle of a busy kitchen.
#5 Don’t let Thanksgiving ruffle your tail feathers! It’s easy to get side-tracked while engaging in holiday activities. However, it’s important to adhere to Fido’s regular routine as much as possible. Keeping his creature comforts will lessen any anxiety and make Thanksgiving even more enjoyable for both of you.