Celebrate Thanksgiving with Your Pet!
Your fur friend is a member of your family, so no doubt you will want to include them in the holiday cheer. After all, they are a big part of what we are grateful for every year. Enjoying the holiday with four-leggeds takes some planning and care, but it is as simple as knowing what the risks are and creating a pet-friendly environment.
If you are celebrating your special fur friend at this year’s Turkey Day bash, the team at Sunrise Boulevard Animal Hospital is here to help you do it safely, while having fun.
Don’t Pass the Gravy!
Thanksgiving is a time for eating a lot of food and then watching a game on TV with the fam – right? Sure, we may feel a little guilty after indulging, but some of these foods can actually harm our pets. To avoid stomach upset or a trip to the veterinary emergency, keep your pet away from the following items:
- Chocolate (don’t forget those toxic baker’s chocolate bars!)
- The sugar-substitute Xylitol
- Bones
- Alcohol
- Onions and garlic
- Grapes and raisins
- Macadamia nuts
Fatty, rich foods like turkey skin, gravy, and buttery side dishes may be tasty to your pet, but they can result in digestive upset or pancreatitis, a serious inflammation of the pancreas.
The good news is that you can offer your favorite gobbler some healthy alternatives, like:
- Mashed pumpkin
- Green beans or baby carrots
- Mashed potatoes (no butter, please)
- Plain yam
- Most fruits
- Skinless, boneless turkey
You can also make homemade treats for your pet with a Thanksgiving theme, like these pumpkin dog treats or cranberry and pumpkin treats.
Turkey Day Dangers
Along with knowing what to give and what not to give your pet when it comes to the feast, the festivities and decor also need attention.
- Watch for plants that can be poisonous to plants, like poinsettias, lilies (extremely toxic to cats), holly berries, etc. Check the ASPCA’s guide to plants that are poisonous versus safe for pets.
- Candles are lovely, but can singe whiskers and accidentally be knocked over by wagging tails. Try battery-powered candles to get that ambience.
- Make sure your pet is in a secure area when you are eating, or when guests are coming and leaving since they can easily slip through the door or gate and get lost.
We hope that these tips will help you plan your big day and keep your little friends safe. If we can offer any additional tips, or if you would like to schedule an appointment, please call us.