Thanksgiving is just around the corner! Keep your four-legged friend in mind as you are making your preparations for the big day. This can be a dangerous holiday for pets! Read on as a local Carolina Forest, SC vet discusses some Turkey Day hazards for pet parents to be aware of.
Unsafe Foods
It’s fine to give your pet a special treat. After all, Fido and Fluffy are definitely something to be thankful for! Just be sure to stick with safe, suitable foods. Cooked, plain turkey is fine. However, if you want to share some of that delicious main course with your pet, you’ll need to remove the skin, bones, and fat first. The same applies to other types of meat, fish, and poultry. Your furry friend can also have some sodium free broth, or canned tuna or chicken in water. Never give your dog or cat anything that contains garlic, onion, scallions, or chives; chocolate; caffeine; grapes, currants, or raisins; or anything containing xylitol. Milk is also unsafe, as are meat on the bone and raw meat, dough, or yeast.
Garbage
This one is somewhat more of a concern with dogs. Some of our furry companions have no qualms about going through the trash in search of leftovers! The trash could contain things like bones, can lids, fat trimming, toothpicks, and tin foil, which are all dangerous to your little buddy. Use a garbage can that closes securely.
Candles
Fire and pets are a dangerous combination! Keep candles and potpourri burners in high, secure spots that your pet can’t reach. Candle sconces are a safe bet. If you have a fireplace, use a secure grate to keep your furry buddy away from the flames.
Guests
Guests may not pose a direct threat to your fuzzy friend. The issue here is that when you have a full house, it’s much easier for pets to slip out an open door, or accidentally get stepped on. Young children may also inadvertently offer your dog or cat unsafe foods. Keep an eye on Fido and Fluffy! If your pet is nervous around guests, put them in a quiet back room with food, toys, and comfy bedding during dinner and when people are coming and going. Happy Thanksgiving! Please contact us, your local Carolina Forest, SC vet clinic, for all of your pet’s veterinary care needs. We are here to help!
