Planning a large feast for Thanksgiving is a big undertaking. Most of our kitchens turn into a bustle of activity, food, family, and fun. It’s easy for our pets to get mixed up in all of the commotion. Knowing a few good safety tips will help to make sure they stay safe and healthy. We all want to have a happy holiday season. With these handy safety tips, you will be able to help ensure your pet is well taken care of this Thanksgiving.
Our Top 7 Safety Tips for the Thanksgiving Holiday
1. Talk to guests about table scraps
While it’s fine to give your pets a little taste of lean turkey and fresh veggies, make sure guests know that table scraps are not allowed. It can be terribly hard to say no to those pleading eyes, but it could lead to a world of digestive issues.
2. Immediately dispose of trash bags with food waste
Our pets know there are delicious little samples of Thanksgiving in those bags. If you get distracted they can easily try to tear into it. Needless to say, there are tons of things in there that could get them into trouble.
3. Don’t overfeed him
It is easy to overdo food on Thanksgiving. Even if you only give your pet the healthiest of foods, it can be easy to overindulge. Make sure to keep a balance of treats with his regular food.
4. Keep an eye on children’s interactions with pets
Pets and children can be the best of friends, but they can also be double trouble. That’s why keeping an eye on both of them is very important.
5. Give your pets a quiet area
If your pets are nervous or flight risks, it may be best to set them up in a room just for them. Let guests know that room is off limits. Make sure they have a safe toy/treat to occupy them like a kong, along with their bed, and turn on a radio or the TV on low volume to drown out the noise and help them relax.
6. Make sure they have updated tags
With guests coming in and out there is always a chance your pet could get out. That’s why it is imperative that their microchips and tags are current.
7. Make arrangements if you’re going out of town
If you’re leaving for the weekend, making sure your pets are taken care of is very important. They can get into a lot of trouble on their own (spilled water bowls, trapped or tangled in cords, etc). Hiring a pet sitter or setting them up for boarding will ensure they are safe.
We all want to have a successful and joyful Thanksgiving and taking just a few moments to check off a safety list goes a long way.