Thanksgiving is approaching fast! Many of us are looking forward to enjoying some delicious seasonal food with our friends and family members. Just be sure to keep your pet’s health and safety in mind as you prepare for the big day. Holidays can be very dangerous for pets! A local Marion, IA vet discusses Thanksgiving with pets in this article.
Food
Your furry friend will definitely appreciate a special holiday treat. Feel free to give your dog or cat some plain, cooked meat without the skin, bones, or fat. Store-bought pet treats are fine as well. Fluffy may also enjoy a can of tuna, while Fido may perk up over a plain hamburger or some shredded deli meat. However, many people foods are toxic to pets, so be very careful with what you offer your animal companion. Some dangerous foods include garlic, onions, scallions, or chives; meat on the bone; raw foods; grapes, currants, or raisins; chocolate; xylitol; or caffeine.
Guests
Just like people, pets all have their own personalities. Some see guests as opportunities for extra ear scritches and cuddles, while others can get quite uncomfortable around strangers. If your pet is nervous, put your timid buddy in a quiet back room with food, toys, and treats during the meal. This is also a good tactic for pets that beg a lot. You may find your furry pal’s dinnertime theatrics charming, but begging really is bad petiquette, and can make people uncomfortable.
Hazards
Thanksgiving can be quite dangerous for pets! In addition to the unsafe foods we mentioned above, candles, decorations, and garbage also present serious hazards to our furry buddies. If you’re having a lot of people over, you’ll also want to keep a close eye on Fido and Fluffy as people are coming and going: you don’t want your animal companion getting stepped on, or slipping out an open door!
Pet Gratitude
At the end of the day, Thanksgiving is really about gratitude. Our four-legged friends are definitely something to be grateful for! They make our houses into homes, provide us with unconditional love and loyalty, and keep us smiling with their adorable antics. Why not get your pet a new toy or a comfy pet bed as a thank you gift?
Happy Thanksgiving! Please contact us, your Marion, IA pet hospital, for all your pet’s veterinary care needs. We’re always happy to help!
