How To Make Thanksgiving Safe For Your Dog – A Vet’s Advice

Thanksgiving is a United States federal holiday, celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November every year. It’s a time of celebration, spent with those we love, and that includes our favorite furry friends!

However, before we get stuck into the turkey, it’s a good idea to prepare how to make this special day as pet friendly as possible…

5 Ways To Make Thanksgiving Safe For Dogs

1. Think About Food – Dogs Can’t Eat Human Thanksgiving Treats

We’re sure your pet is very interested in what’s being served on the table at most mealtimes, but here’s what to be aware of when it comes to the traditional Thanksgiving feast…

• Thanksgiving chocolate is toxic for dogs: At Thanksgiving, chocolate and candies almost certainly make an appearance but these can be dangerous for pets to consume. All types of chocolate – particularly dark – can be lethal. Chocolate poisoning has some obvious symptoms, so if you notice your dog vomiting, experiencing diarrhea, seizures, an increased rate of breathing, or a fast heart rate, seek out a vet as soon as you’re able.
• So are Thanksgiving candies: Candies also typically contain an artificial sweetener called xylitol which is also poisonous. Even a very small amount of the sweetener can cause lots of health issues for your dog including seizures and sudden lack of coordination.
• Raw bread dough, for both cats and dogs, can be life-threatening. The yeast will continue to work at turning the dough’s sugars into carbon dioxide in their gut, so make sure to keep their curious noses away from the mixing bowl! The same goes for raw eggs and xylitol (the sweetener found in candy and some peanut butter brands!).
• Pumpkin pie and uncooked pumpkin are not safe for dogs. Gastrointestinal problems can occur and may cause an intestinal blockage if large pieces of uncooked pumpkin are eaten. Also, tinned pumpkin can have loads of additives, so if you do want to allow your furry friend a little pumpkin, make sure it’s fresh and cooked!
• Thanksgiving cakes are not safe for dogs. Common cake ingredients that are incredibly toxic for dogs, in addition to the above, include cherries, cocoa powder, apple pips, grapes, raisins, avocados, coffee, and macadamia nuts. If your dog consumes any of these, be sure they get to your vet stat as some of these ingredients in large quantities can be lethal.

Read our blog on other common foods that can be fatal for a dog here.

2. When Giving Dogs Turkey, Carefully Remove All Bones

A small amount of boneless, well-cooked turkey for your pup on Thanksgiving is just fine! But, turkey skin can be tricky for them to digest, and letting them gnaw on the carcass bones can cause injuries to their digestive tracts. So, just treat them to the actual meat!

PetLab Co. Pro Tip: Make sure the turkey meat you do feed your dog is cooked properly. Raw meat can contain salmonella bacteria which may make your pooch very unwell.

3. Be Mindful Of Decorations – Especially Plants and Candles

You may be a household who enjoys a flamboyant, festively floral centerpiece on their Thanksgiving table. It’s good to be aware of the plants that may be used in these that are toxic to cats and dogs: Chrysanthemum, Oak Tree Acorns, and Autumn Crocus.

If you suspect your dog to have consumed a poisonous plant, substance, or food, always contact your vet as a matter of emergency.

Candles and streamers, paper chains and festive decorations all add cheer and warmth to your home, but it’s important to keep all Thanksgiving decor out of the reach of playful pups – your dog might be tempted to ingest something that could be dangerous to them.

4. Traveling With Your Pet at Thanksgiving

If you’re traveling to spend Thanksgiving with loved ones who live elsewhere, whether or not you should bring your pet depends on many things including your mode of transport, where you’ll stay, and how happy your pet is when traveling.

If you’re crossing state or international borders, some places require health certificates amongst other things, so do your research well in advance.

Wherever you venture too, always take a copy of their medical records, and source the contact details of the nearest emergency veterinarian to your new location, making a note of their holiday hours. In addition, your dog should always have proper identification on their collar and although not legally required, microchipping them is definitely recommended.

It may also be worth traveling with a pet-first aid kit, just in case anything were to go awry!

5. Hosting Thanksgiving Guests

Having guests come and stay over the holiday weekend can induce nerves, shyness, or excitement in your pets. If your furry friend seems nervous, try settling them in a quiet room with plenty of water, their bed, familiar smelling blankets, and toys.

PetLab Co. Pro Tip: Have many guests coming and going? Watch that door! Excitable pets may try bounding out and getting lost! Keep their collar on over the weekend if they don’t usually wear it when in the house.

Happy Thanksgiving to all our PetLab Co. Customers!

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