As the season of gratitude and feasting approaches, it's essential to ensure that our four-legged family members are also included in the Thanksgiving celebrations. At Social Petworking, we understand the importance of keeping your pets safe, comfortable, and happy during holiday gatherings. In this article, we'll share valuable pet safety tips to help you navigate Thanksgiving with your furry companions, ensuring a joyful and stress-free experience for both pets and their owners.
Thanksgiving Tips for Pet Safety
Secure the Doorways
With guests arriving and leaving, it's crucial to prevent any accidental escapes. Designate a quiet, secure space for your pets away from the front door. Consider using baby gates or playpens to create a barrier, minimizing the risk of your pet slipping out unnoticed.
Additionally. practice your pet's recall skills leading up to the big event. Management is not full proof and guests can be unpredictable, so have a back up plan in case they accidentally run out of the front door. Giving your pet lots of opportunities to rehearse coming back to you before the festivities will help them be more successful in the event of an accidental escape. While an escape attempt is the worst case scenario, be prepared. Make sure that your pet is microchipped and has their collar and ID tag on before guests arrive.
Provide Engaging Distractions
Keep your pets entertained and occupied during the festivities. Provide them with new toys or puzzle feeders filled with treats to keep them mentally stimulated. For a long lasting chew, you can core and deseed a red bell pepper, filling it with dog safe ingredients and freezing before company arrives. If your dog enjoys being social, assign a responsible family member or friend to play with them, ensuring they feel included in the celebration without becoming overwhelmed.
Create Comfortable Retreats
Create a cozy sanctuary where your pets can retreat if the holiday hustle and bustle become too much for them. Set up a quiet room with their bed, favorite toys, and water bowl. This gives them a safe space to relax and recharge when needed. You can also leave on soothing music if your pet has anxious tendencies. Be your pet's advocate with family members and ensure that all children and adults are respecting their space and comfort.
Decorate Safely for Pets
While decorating your home, be mindful of your pet's curiosity. Avoid using decorations that could be harmful if ingested, such as toxic plants, artificial plants, tinsel, or small ornaments and decor. Opt for pet-friendly decorations, like non-toxic plants and sturdy ornaments placed out of reach.
Avoid Dangerous Food
Thanksgiving is a feast for humans, but not all foods are safe for pets. Remind your guests not to share their plates with furry friends and keep these common Thanksgiving treats away from your pets:
Cooked bones
Fatty foods
Onions
Grapes and raisins
Chocolate
Nuts
Alcohol
Xylitol (found in some sugar-free products)
Keeping pets separate from eating areas may be the easiest solution. You can't have your eyes on them or guests the entire time, and while meaning no harm, guests can accidentally leave dangerous foods within reach. Holidays are very busy for veterinary clinics due to pets ingesting items that are toxic and that can cause problems like pancreatitis or blockages.
Provide Pet-Friendly Treats
Prepare a special Thanksgiving treat for your pets to enjoy, such as a small portion of cooked turkey (boneless and well-cooked), plain sweet potatoes, or green beans. This way, they can partake in the festivities without compromising their health. Stock up on acceptable treats for guests to give your pets in order to resist the urge to share food from their plates.
Exercise Mentally and Physically
Ensure your pets get their regular exercise and some training time in before guests arrive. A tired dog is less likely to become anxious or overly excited in the presence of visitors. Take them for a long walk or engage in a vigorous play session to help expend excess energy. Practice useful skills like recalling, waiting at boundaries, leaving unwanted food items alone, and settling in their place to help set them up for a successful day with a full home.
We're Thankful for You.
At Social Petworking, we believe that pets are an integral part of the family, deserving a safe and enjoyable holiday experience. By implementing these tips, you can create a Thanksgiving celebration that accommodates both the needs of your furry friends and the joy of the season. We're thankful for a community of loving pet owners that believe happy pets make happy homes. Wishing you and your pets a happy and healthy Thanksgiving!
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