5 Easy Tips For Thanksgiving Dog Safety
If you are preparing a Thanksgiving dinner at your home this year, make sure to have a quick read of these useful and potentially lifesaving pet safety tips for your dog. Too often, owners relax the rules with regards to the holidays and their pets. The result can end in a trip to the vet, or worse! Your other option is to book a day stay or an overnight stay with us at Jet Pet Resort and let your dog enjoy a special Thanksgiving of his/her own!
The meal is for the people – not the dogs! Resist the urge to ‘treat’ your dog.
Did you know that overindulging in fatty foods can lead to an upset stomach, diarrhea, or a life-threatening condition called pancreatitis? Further, turkey bones are brittle and sharp and can easily become lodged in your dog’s throat or digestive system. A few strips of turkey on a dog’s normal food is fine, but don’t overdo it, no matter how much they sympathetically beg. Keep in mind that turkey skin can wreak havoc with a dog’s digestive system, so make sure they get skinless, boneless turkey if you want to give them a special treat.
Stay with routine – Go for that walk!
For optimum health, best behaviour and minimizing distress, your dog should enjoy exercise as usual on Thanksgiving. If your dog does not miss his regular walks, grooming and personal attention, he will be most likely to remain calmer and more content throughout the festivities.
Deserts can be deadly
Consider all the cookie and desserts offered during the holidays, many of which contain chocolate. Chocolate is dangerous for dogs in particular because it contains theobromine, a caffeine-like ingredient that can be toxic to your pet. Dogs are not able to metabolize theobromine as quickly as humans. Complications include: digestive issues, dehydration, excitability, and a slow heart rate. Make sure your pup isn’t indulging in the humans’ feast, and that they have one of their own, just for them!
Take out the trash
A typical Thanksgiving Day feast eventually leads to a ton of trash. Of course, greasy turkey-encrusted tin foil poses a particular temptation to a dog. Toothpicks, strings and other items used in turkey preparation can also become attractive nuisances to a canine.
Fall is a great time to update your pet’s collar and ID.
Because Thanksgiving is about spending time with loved ones, you may have numerous people coming and going throughout the day. If this is the case, it is a good idea to update your pet’s collar and make sure that your contact information is clear and easy to read in case Fido makes a break out the door while no one is watching!
An alternative without the guilt!
By following a few simple tips, you can make your Thanksgiving holiday a little safer for your dog and even give you better peace of mind. Of course next year, you could always bring your dog to Jet Pet Resort for daycare or an overnight stay. Our guests will be enjoying their own Thanksgiving celebration with the staff this year. Have a great holiday and we hope to see you soon.
Read more about our fall dog care tips!