Tips for a Pet-Friendly Thanksgiving

Heading “over the river and thru the woods to Grandmother’s house” this Thanksgiving? Or hosting your own feast at home? No matter what your special holiday plans are, if they include your pets then there are some important things to consider before the festivities begin.

If you’re plans include travel, first things first. Make sure that Fido is welcome in your host's home. You don't want to arrive after maneuvering hours of holiday traffic, only to be turned away because "second cousin Tommy is allergic." Also before you hit the road, obtain phone numbers and locations of Emergency Animal Clinics near your destination. Call to confirm that they are staffed during the holiday weekend.

Make sure that your pets have proper identification that includes your contact information (preferably both cell and landline numbers.) Pets are more likely to get lost in unfamiliar surroundings. Keep pets on leash when stopping at rest stops.

Feed your pets before the humans sit down to that Thanksgiving Feast. This may help deter some of the pitiful gazes that may tempt you and other guests to feed them table scraps. (Notice we say "may" help. If your pets are anything like ours, you'll likely be staring into those sad puppy dog eyes before you can say "Please pass the gravy.") If your pup has a history of table begging, try using a pet gate, crate, or play pen to confine him to an area away from the dining room. Make sure to provide favorite toys to keep your Critter occupied.

The traditional Thanksgiving dinner, with turkey and all the trimmings, presents some specific hazards to your animals, so it is important make sure ALL guests know they should NOT sneak under-table nibbles to your Critter.

During November, there is an increase in preventable pet emergencies. Many are attributed to common Thanksgiving items.

Turkey Bones, for instance are hollow and therefore prone to splintering. Bone fragments send many pets to the Emergency Vet on this holiday due to tears and obstructions in the digestive tract. These conditions are extremely painful for your animal and can actually be fatal!

Fatty foods like turkey skin and gravy are safe for humans (in moderation, of course) but can lead to acute pancreatitis, requiring emergency medical attention.

Onions can cause anemia in dogs; Trussing String / Butcher Twine can be problematic if ingested; Grapes and raisins are toxic to pets and can cause kidney failure. And when the dessert trays come out, remember that pets should never eat chocolate, although they'll probably try to tell you otherwise!

When it comes time for clean-up, keep the pets secured. Discarded, food-covered aluminum foil can be especially enticing (and very dangerous!) to curious four-legged scavengers, so be sure to keep a tight lid on trash and remove it from the house promptly.

Just remember that a little advanced planning will allow for a fun-filled day of football and feasting for the humans, and hopefully an emergency free day for the Critters.

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