Thanksgiving Pet Safety Tips in Edmond, OK
Thanksgiving is a treasured time of the year when we can relax and enjoy some time with family and friends. And that includes our pets, too! Yet they may not respond to all the food, people, and festivities as well as we do. Review our animal hospital's Thanksgiving pet safety tips to help make your pet’s Thanksgiving a safe and enjoyable one.
Pet Food Safety
It may seem generous to share some of our table food with our pets, but unfortunately, many human foods are toxic to them. Turkey and other meats could cause pancreatitis in pets, even in small amounts! Additionally, turkey bones are not to be handed off to pets since their small size can easily be broken and those sharp edges can cause havoc in your pet’s digestive tract. What’s more is there are many different ingredients that are toxic including:
- Onions and garlic
- Grapes and raisins
- Chocolates
- Xylitol (and artificial sweetener found in many candies and desserts)
- Nuts
If you want your pet to join in the meal, make a treat especially for them!
Safety Around Visitors
A full house is a happy house at Thanksgiving, but all the unfamiliar people can be overwhelming for pets. If your pet is shy and often uncomfortable around a crowd, make sure they have a safe haven where they can retreat to if the party gets too rowdy for them.
On the flip side, some of your guests may be uncomfortable around your pet or may have an allergy. Be sure your guests are aware you have a pet and are comfortable with having them around.
Finally, with all the comings and goings of your visitors, the front door becomes a prime opportunity for escape. Anxious pets may seize their chance and make a break for it. Watch the doors, and make sure your pet has proper ID on them so they can make their way back to you if they do get out.
Travel Safety for Pets
If you’re traveling for the holidays with your pet whether by car or air, you’ll need to make sure you’re fully prepared. All flights will require your pet to have a health certificate from your veterinarian, and you’ll need it for travel across state lines by car, too.
It’s also important that your pet travels in safety. If by flight, they’ll need an airline-approved carrier. By car, they’ll need to be properly restrained to avoid injury or distraction to the driver. And of course, you’ll need to pack for them, too, including collars, food and water bowls, medication they may need, toys, bedding and whatever they need to be comfortable.
Thanksgiving should be enjoyed by all. Make sure your pet is safely a part of the fun! Happy Thanksgiving from Edmond East Animal Hospital!