Thanksgiving is coming up soon! Your canine buddy will be right there with you during the autumn holiday. Dogs are definitely something to be thankful for! Read on as a Carolina Forest, SC vet offers tips on spending Turkey Day with your furry best friend.
Exercise
Before your guests arrive, take Fido for a long walk. Then, tire him out with a fun session of Fetch or Tag. Your pooch will be calmer-and therefore better behaved-once he’s burned his excess energy off.
Food
There’s nothing wrong with giving your canine pal a special treat. Just stick with safe options. Cooked, plain turkey is fine, as long as you remove the skin, bones, or fat. Fido can also have some plain, cooked sweet potatoes. Don’t give your pup anything that includes garlic, onion, scallions, or chives. These foods are often used as seasonings, so you’ll need to be extra vigilant here. Some other dangerous foods include meat on the bone; alcohol; chocolate; caffeine; grapes, currants, and raisins; pitted fruits; mushrooms; and anything that contains xylitol. Ask your vet for more information.
Decorations
Man’s Best Friend is both curious and playful. Keep this in mind as you are decorating. Put anything small or sharp out of paws’ reach. Candles, potpourri burners, and anything with strings or ropes are also unsafe.
Grooming
Make sure that Fido is putting his best paw forward. Give him a bath before the big day, and make sure his nails are clipped.
Jumping
Does Fido have a habit of jumping on people? If so, put him in his crate or in a quiet back room as your guests arrive. You don’t want him knocking that casserole out of your aunt’s hands!
Fur Busting
Does your home smell like dog? Use a squeegee or rubber dish gloves to remove pet fur from your furniture. You’ll also want to dust and vacuum thoroughly, and change your air filter.
Begging
Fido will likely be paying very close attention when everyone sits down to eat. It isn’t uncommon for people to sneak dogs little bits of food as a treat. This can be dangerous, as your pet could end up eating something that’s not safe for him. Ask guests not to feed the pooch! Happy Thanksgiving! Please contact us, your Carolina Forest, SC vet clinic, for all of your dog’s veterinary care needs. We’re here to help!
