Thanksgiving Day may be one of your favorite holidays, but Turkey Day can be dangerous for your pets. Following a few of these tips will help you ensure that your furry friends don’t suffer a Thanksgiving emergency.
Limit Special Treats
It’s best to stick to your pet’s usual diet on Thanksgiving. Stuffing and other foods that contain onions or garlic can cause anemia in cats and dogs, while grapes and raisins may cause kidney failure. Mashed potatoes may trigger diarrhea for a lactose intolerant pet. Don’t turn your back on your raw turkey — eating or licking raw meat increases your pet’s risk of salmonella, and fatty turkey skin can cause life-threatening pancreatitis. Don’t let your pet gnaw on turkey bones, which can become stuck or splinter. Other foods to avoid include:
- Chocolate
- Yeast
- Scallions
- Foods that contain the sweetener xylitol
- Raw eggs
Prepare a Sanctuary for Your Pet
If your pet doesn’t like large, loud gatherings, it may be happier spending the day away from the festivities. Before the guests arrive, place food, water (and a litter box if you have a cat) in a quiet room and close the door. Stop by periodically to check on your pet.
Make Sure Your Dog or Cat Wears an Identification Tag
While you’re busy saying goodbye to guests, your pet may decide to dash outside. An ID tag with your pet’s name and your name, address, and telephone number increases the likelihood of a reunion. ID tags are important even if your pet has been microchipped, since neighbors won’t be able to read the chips.
Take Out the Trash
Even a well-behaved pet may be unable to resist an unattended trash can full of off-limits foods. String used to truss the turkey can wrap around your pet’s intestines if swallowed, requiring emergency surgery.
Use Restraints When Traveling
Unrestrained pets may be at risk for serious injuries in an accident and can interfere with your concentration. Restrain your pet with a harness attached to a seat belt, or secure the carrier with the seat belt. Place pets in the back seat away from airbags, and don’t let pets stick their heads out the windows.
Put Decorations Out of Reach
An inquisitive cat can knock over a lit candle, or a curious dog can eat non-edible parts of decorations. Place decorations in high places that aren’t accessible to your pet, and remove centerpieces as soon as your meal is over.