Give thanks while keeping your pet safe and healthy this holiday
Thanksgiving is a day to remember all the things for which we are thankful. If there is anything the past year has taught us, it's how thankful we are for pets during times of stress.
While celebrating the holiday with family, friends and food, show your pets how important they are to you by keeping them happy and healthy, too.
If your dog is high-energy, spend some time outside on Thanksgiving morning to wear him out before guests arrive. Laid-back pups may benefit from some snuggle time in front of the television watching the Puppy Bowl.
Pets who are used to spending a lot of their time alone may be stressed out by a room full of people and may prefer hanging out in a different room with their favorite toys. Pets who try to get outdoors whenever the door opens will be safer in a separate room until everyone has arrived.
When guests arrive, hang up their coats and bags instead of laying them on a bed. Unsupervised, inquisitive pets may find harmful things like chocolate candy bars, prescription drugs and chewing gum containing xylitol in pockets or purses.
Constantly supervise children when they are with pets. The excitement of the day can cause both kids and pets to behave differently than they normally do. No one will be thankful for a bite or a scratch (of a child or a pet).
Keep an eye on your pets while you are cooking and entertaining. Unbaked dough sitting on the counter may look tempting to a four-legged friend, but the yeast can cause a blockage as it expands in the stomach.
Never leave glasses of alcohol unattended. Keep pets away from trash cans. A knocked-over trash can presents a multitude of potential choking and food poisoning hazards.
Just because the food on the Thanksgiving table is safe for people, don't assume it is safe for pets. Grapes and raisins can cause kidney damage in dogs. Macadamia nuts can cause neurological problems. Any food made with garlic, onions and chives are toxic to dogs and cats. Chocolate is on most pet owners' radars, but if the sugar substitute xylitol is used to make some sugar-free desserts, keep them away from Fido, too. Xylitol is very toxic to dogs.
Even our beloved turkey poses a threat. There may be no harm in giving Fluffy or Fido a few small bites of meat from the turkey breast, but avoid sharing the skin or dark meat. Too much of these fatty foods may cause GI upset or even pancreatitis. And never give your pets any turkey that might contain bones.
Remind well-meaning guests (kids and grown-ups alike) not to sneak some of their food to pets under the table. Or, better yet, keep pets busy in a separate room during dinner. Fill a food puzzle or a Kong with bits of baby carrots, green beans, a few bites of turkey, or his favorite low-calorie treats to keep him entertained.
Another option is to feed your pet before everyone sits down at the table. If his stomach is full, he will be less apt to beg for food.
When the dishes are done and the leftovers are put away, don't forget Fido when heading out for a walk or a game of football with the family. Have him show off all his new tricks or play a game of fetch.
And, after guests have gone home, spend some time loving your pet and being thankful.
• Diana Stoll is the practice manager at Red Barn Animal Hospital with locations in Hampshire and Gilberts. Visit redbarnpetvet.com, or call (847) 683-4788 (Hampshire) or (847) 426-1000 (Gilberts).