Blog: Thanksgiving Pet Safety Tips
Thanksgiving is a time for friends, family, and delicious food, but it’s also when our pets might face some unexpected and sometimes difficult or dangerous situations. As we prepare to celebrate and gather around the table, it’s crucial to keep our pets in mind to ensure their safety and well-being. Whether it’s the tempting food on the counter, the bustling energy of guests, or the potential hazards of travel, Thanksgiving can bring unique risks for our pets. In this guide, we’ll cover essential Thanksgiving pet safety tips so you can enjoy the holiday while ensuring your pets are safe and happy.
Common health risks for dogs during Thanksgiving
The holiday season is synonymous with delicious meals, but many Thanksgiving foods pose a risk to our pets, particularly dogs. Understanding the common health risks can help you prevent any unwanted trips to the vet and keep your dog happy and healthy during the holiday.
Toxic foods
A lot of the traditional Thanksgiving dishes we love are harmful to dogs. Foods like turkey skin, fatty trimmings, garlic, onions, and grapes are all toxic to pets. Eating large amounts of fatty foods, like turkey skin and fatty trimmings, can lead to a serious medical condition called pancreatitis. Additionally, garlic and onions contain compounds that can damage your dog’s red blood cells, leading to anemia. Even stuffing is dangerous for your pet since it’s often seasoned with garlic and onions.
Bones and choking hazards
Cooked bones, like turkey bones, pose a serious risk to dogs because they can be a choking hazard and can splinter and cause internal damage. The bones can also get stuck in your dog’s digestive tract, leading to blockages that may require surgical intervention. Always ensure that bones and anything used to wrap the turkey carcass, like strings, are safely disposed of where your dog can’t access them.
Rich or sugary foods
The rich, sugary desserts that we all look forward to eating all year long, such as pies and chocolate treats, are major risks for dogs. Chocolate is toxic to dogs, and even small amounts can cause symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and in severe cases, seizures. Pies containing sugar, butter, or artificial sweeteners like xylitol can also be harmful.
Overeating
With so much food around, it’s easy for pets to overeat, which can lead to gastrointestinal issues, like vomiting and diarrhea. Make sure to monitor what your pet is eating, and if you want to treat them, stick to small portions of plain turkey (without the skin) and unseasoned vegetables, like carrots or green beans.
Toxic plants
During the holiday season, many people like to decorate with decorative plants, but unfortunately, many plants are toxic to both dogs and cats. For example, poinsettias, while not deadly, can cause mild irritation in dogs and cats if ingested, leading to drooling, vomiting, or upset stomach. Other plants, like lilies, holly, and mistletoe, are even more dangerous. Lilies, in particular, are incredibly toxic to cats, and mistletoe can potentially cause serious digestive and cardiovascular issues in pets. To keep your pets safe, consider using pet-friendly decorations or place these plants well out of reach.
Precautions to take before parties
Thanksgiving often means guests coming and going, which can be a stressful and potentially dangerous situation for pets. Planning ahead and taking precautions can help create a safe environment for your beloved companions during holiday gatherings.
Create a safe space
With all the excitement, your pet might feel overwhelmed or stressed. Consider designating a quiet, comfortable space in your home where your pet can retreat if they need to escape the commotion. Set this area up with their bed, toys, and water to make them feel at ease. This is especially helpful for anxious pets who might not handle loud noises or strangers well.
Watch the door
With guests coming in and out, there’s always a risk of your pet slipping out unnoticed. To avoid any accidents, make sure doors are securely closed and let your guests know to keep an eye on the door. You can also use baby gates or barriers to keep your pets in a designated area away from the main entrance.
Update Identification
In case your pet does manage to slip out, ensuring they have up-to-date ID tags or a microchip is crucial. This simple step can make all the difference in reuniting with your pet quickly. Be sure to double-check that your pet’s microchip is registered and your contact information is up-to-date in PetLink’s online microchip registry. Additionally, a GPS collar for dogs can add an extra layer of safety during this busy time, giving you peace of mind that you can view your dog’s location in real time from your mobile if they were to sneak out.
Set ground rules for guests
Not everyone will know the risks certain foods or actions pose to your pet. Make sure to inform your guests about what your pet can and can’t eat, and encourage them not to give table scraps. You can even create a “pet-safe” treat table where guests can offer approved snacks like dog-friendly biscuits or vegetables.
Travel safety tips
If you’re traveling with your pet this Thanksgiving, there are extra precautions you’ll need to take to ensure they remain safe and comfortable. Whether you’re hitting the road or flying, pet safety during holidays involves careful planning.
Car travel safety
When traveling by car, it’s important to keep your pet secure and comfortable. Pets should always be restrained while in the vehicle, either with a pet seatbelt, a harness, or a carrier. This prevents them from moving around or getting hurt in case of sudden stops or accidents. Sometimes being cooped up in a car can be hard on your pets, so remember to take frequent breaks during long drives to give them time to stretch, use the bathroom, and drink water.
Bring the essentials
Pack a travel kit with all the essentials your pet will need while away from home. This should include their food, water, bowls, leash, and any medications they’re taking. Don’t forget to bring comfort items like their favorite blanket or toy to help ease any travel anxiety. Packing a first-aid kit will also help you be prepared in case of an emergency.
Air travel considerations
If you’re flying, check with the airline ahead of time about their pet policies. Some pets may need to travel in the cargo hold, while others can accompany you in the cabin. Ensure your pet’s carrier is airline-approved and has enough room for them to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably. It’s also a good idea to label the carrier with your pet’s information, as well as your contact details, in case of an emergency. If you’re traveling across state lines or internationally, your pet may need a health certificate from your veterinarian. Different countries have different regulations for pet travel, so be sure to schedule an appointment with your veterinarian to complete any necessary requirements within the timeframe required by the country.
Plan ahead for accommodations
If you’re staying overnight, make sure your accommodations are pet-friendly. Confirm with the hotel or host that pets are allowed, and ask about any specific rules or amenities they provide for pets. It’s also wise to bring along a copy of your pet’s vaccination records in case they’re required. Research surrounding areas for places to walk your dog and parks to go to to make the visit as easy as possible.
Thanksgiving is a time to relax and enjoy the company of loved ones, and with these Thanksgiving pet safety tips, you can ensure that your pets are safe and cared for during the festivities. Whether you’re hosting a big family dinner or traveling to celebrate, keeping your pet’s health and safety in mind is essential. From keeping dangerous foods out of reach to providing them with a quiet space to retreat, a little planning goes a long way in protecting your pets. Taking the right precautions and making thoughtful decisions about your pets’ care will help everyone, including your pets, enjoy a safe and happy Thanksgiving.