Thanksgiving is right around the corner! Many of us are already looking forward to enjoying a delicious meal with our loved ones, and perhaps watching a little football. Pets are definitely something for us to be thankful for! Our animal companions keep us smiling with their adorable antics, complete our families, and stay loyally by our sides through thick and thin. Turkey Day can be hazardous for our four-legged friends, so you’ll want to keep your furry pal’s health and safety in mind as you prepare for the autumn holiday. In this article, an Aurora, CO veterinarian discusses Thanksgiving with pets.
Food
Fido and Fluffy enjoy a good meal just as much as we do, and may be extremely interested in that delicious holiday spread. While it’s fine to offer your pet a special treat, you’ll want to be careful with what you offer them. Many people foods are dangerous for dogs and cats! Never give your four-legged buddy meat on the bone; raw dough, yeast, or meat; nuts; currants, grapes, and raisins; pitted fruits; chocolate; alcohol; or anything that contains xylitol. You can give your furry friend cooked meat, fish, or poultry, without the bones, skin, or fat. Cooked, unseasoned sweet or plain potatoes; green beans; peas; carrots; and pumpkin are also fine. Ask your vet for more information.
Guests
If your pet gets overexcited or uneasy around strangers, put your furry buddy in a quiet back room with food, bedding, and some fun toys. This will keep Fido from knocking people over with over-enthusiastic greetings, and will also keep him from begging. As for Fluffy, she may be much happier spending the day napping peacefully!
Decorations
Seasonal decorations can make your home look super cozy, but they aren’t always safe for our four-legged friends. Candles and potpourri burners are one concern: pets and flames are a very dangerous mix! Keep these items in a safe, secure place. Decorative items that have small parts, dangling threads, or wires are also hazardous.
Fur
De-furring your home is a definite must! Brush your pet daily during the week before Thanksgiving, and thoroughly dust and vacuum your house. If you have a dog, give Fido a bath before the big day, so he’ll be soft, clean, and, of course, completely adorable.
Enjoy your holiday! Please contact us, your Aurora, CO animal clinic, for all your pet’s veterinary care needs.
