Thanksgiving is creeping up on us fast! In a couple of days, stores will be full of people buying turkeys and stuffing for their thanksgiving feasts. With so much going on during the holiday, we must keep an eye on our pets. Keeping your pets safe on Thanksgiving is essential. With so much food, desserts, decorations, and people around, our pets can find themselves in an unfortunate situation with all the commotion. Taking the proper safety precautions and preventing injuries or harm can ensure a successful and fun thanksgiving. Here are some ways to keep your pets safe.
Be Careful of Table Scraps
Unsurprisingly, some human foods are dangerous to dogs and cats. Turkey bones from your meal can be a choking hazard to your pet. In addition, small bones can get lodged in your pet’s digestive tract and cause internal damage. It’s best to discard bones immediately to avoid accidental ingestion. Thanksgiving dinner is also known for its delicious desserts. These treats can contain raisins, grapes, or chocolate which can all cause your pet to become very ill. Be sure to keep these tasty treats away from your pet’s reach. Instead, buy some pet-friendly snacks and treats you can give your pets while everyone enjoys their thanksgiving meal together.
Be sure to have Safe Spaces for your Pets
In addition to giving your pet space, be sure you are prepared for other pets that may come over. Some families throw big thanksgiving dinners, which can cause some pets anxiety. If you plan on having many people around, create a safe place for your pet to hide or rest. This can be a cozy little nook in the house with their bed, favorite blanket, or toy. Just like humans, sometimes our pets need peace and quiet. Ensure that each pet has space during feeding times, and remember to keep an eye on them throughout the evening to ensure all is well.
Keep Decorations or Plants Away from Reach
Decorating is an essential part of the holidays. A decorated home brings a whole new atmosphere to the house and raises holiday spirits. Although there is beauty and charm in decorations, some decor can be a safety hazard to pets. Breakable things, like glass ornaments, can cut and hurt your pet. Other small decorations can be choking hazards if accidentally ingested. In addition to decorations, some plants can also be poisonous to pets. Be sure to do your research when buying plants as decorations to avoid any unnecessary sickness. Remember to keep wires and cords hidden, so they aren’t visible to trip on or chew.
Have Emergency Contacts on Hand
As careful as we may be, the possibility of accidents is always there. Be sure you have all your emergency contacts listed where they’re easy to read and grab. Having phone numbers for veterinarians, emergency vets, and animal helplines is a great way to ensure emergency preparedness. With all these preventative measures, you must still be ready for emergencies.
Practice Prevention for a Successful Thanksgiving Dinner
Safe-proofing your home and preventing harm to your pet is the best way to avoid stressful and unwanted situations this Thanksgiving. Keeping your pets safe on Thanksgiving doesn’t have to be complicated or feel like a full-time job. You can protect your pet from harm by safety-proofing your home with safe decorations and avoiding giving your dog table scraps that they can’t have. Unexpected things can always occur, so be sure to have emergency contacts on hand in case you need immediate veterinary care. If you need a pet sitter over Thanksgiving, you can always count on our professional pet sitters at Luv My Sitter to keep your pet company. Visit our services page for more information!