{"id":391,"date":"2019-11-08T12:50:05","date_gmt":"2019-11-08T17:50:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.volvethosp.com\/blog\/?p=391"},"modified":"2020-03-12T13:47:51","modified_gmt":"2020-03-12T18:47:51","slug":"lets-talk-turkey-thanksgiving-pet-safety","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.volvethosp.com\/blog\/lets-talk-turkey-thanksgiving-pet-safety\/","title":{"rendered":"Let\u2019s Talk Turkey: Thanksgiving Pet Safety"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Thanksgiving is fast approaching, a fact that has most Americans jumping for joy. Between the turkey, stuffing, casseroles, and desserts, there\u2019s something on the Thanksgiving table for everyone. But wait \u2013 does that include our pets? 
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Most of us have a hard time resisting those puppy dog eyes, but there are some things you should know about Thanksgiving. When it comes to Thanksgiving pet safety, we aren\u2019t just talking turkey. 
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Keep reading to find out about some of the common holiday pet disasters that can land you in the emergency animal clinic this year, as well as ways to keep your pets safe on Thanksgiving and beyond. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Pets and Thanksgiving Food Risks<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

As delicious as Thanksgiving foods are to most humans, many can be downright dangerous for pets. Pets don\u2019t self regulate when it comes to toxic foods, so it\u2019s up to responsible pet owners to know what is risky, and protect our pets from partaking. Here are some tips to prevent pet poisoning<\/a>. 
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The dinner. <\/strong>Fatty and salty foods (read: Thanksgiving dinner) are hard for animals to digest. What\u2019s more, even a bite or two can cause a life-threatening and painful condition called pancreatitis. Likewise, some holiday foods that are healthy for people are toxic to pets \u2013 such as raisins, grapes, onions, and garlic. 
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Skip dessert, too.<\/strong>  Sugary foods can send pets into a digestive tailspin. Chocolate<\/a> is toxic to pets, and so is a sugar substitute called Xylitol \u2013 a common ingredient in sugar free desserts, gum, and candy. Keep all desserts and treats far away from pets. 
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Garbage hound? <\/strong>Between the feasting and talking with friends and family, it\u2019s easy for a pet to sneak into the trash or countertop leftovers. The resulting conditions are aptly known as \u201cgarbage gut\u201d in the animal emergency room. Clear leftovers right away, and discard the turkey carcass, any strings, wrappers, and aluminum foil securely in the trash. Trash bins should have tight fitting lids, or even better – be behind a closed and locked door that your pets can\u2019t access. 
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Tasty decor.<\/strong> Holiday plants may make a beautiful centerpiece, but be aware that some plants are toxic to pets. These include amaryllis, cyclamen, hydrangea, and some ferns. The ASPCA has a good guide to toxic plants for dogs<\/a> and cats<\/a>. To be on the safe side, keep your pet away from all plants and table decor. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you think your pet has eaten something toxic, call your local emergency clinic immediately for guidance. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Party Animals<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If your pet loves a houseful of people, by all means let them participate. It\u2019s not uncommon for noise, changing routines, and lots of people to make pets feel anxious and stressed. Here are some tips for Thanksgiving pet safety when you\u2019re entertaining the masses. 
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Creature comforts.<\/strong> Give your pet a safe spot away from the action. Set up a laundry room, small back bedroom, or the like with their bed, toys, food and water, and a white noise machine or soft music. Check on them often and give them lots of praise and attention. They\u2019ll be away from the stress of the day, and you\u2019ll relax knowing they are safe.
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Read the signs. <\/strong>Even the most loving pets can become stressed enough to bite. Know the signs and educate everyone at your house about how to approach your pet. Encourage gentleness in children, and never leave pets and children alone together. 
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Escape routes.<\/strong> With all the comings and goings of Thanksgiving, it\u2019s easy for your pet to slip out the door or out the back gate and become lost. Be very watchful, and if you have a worry, put your pet on a leash to greet guests as they arrive. Make sure all pets have collar and ID tags. Placing a microchip (and ensuring its registered to your current contact info) gives pets the best chance of a reunion with you should they become lost.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Travel Tips for Thanksgiving Pet Safety<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you are traveling with your pet this Thanksgiving there are a few safety tips to remember. Here\u2019s how to keep your pet safe while going over the river and through the woods. 
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