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Thanksgiving Guide for Pet Owners

As you prepare to welcome guests, decorations and treats into your home this holiday season, remember that your pet might need some help adjusting to the excitement. Spread holiday cheer by following the pet safety tips below and keeping your pet’s diet and exercise routine consistent.

Dinner stays on the Table

It may seem obvious but keeping your pet away from table food is one of the best ways to keep them safe this holiday season.

Often, there is an increase in food poisoning in pets during Thanksgiving. Turkey and its skin can cause pancreatitis, which is very dangerous for pets. Pancreatitis is abdominal pain caused by inflammation of the pancreas. Other fatty foods and foods that we consider “healthy” may not be healthy for our pets. Foods such as onions, raisins, grapes and foods with a high amount of salt can be poisonous to your pet. If you want to include your pet in the holiday festivities, make or buy a treat created especially for pets!

Make sure to keep your pet away from the dessert table! Desserts and pies are also foods your pets should not get ahold of. Even if you think it can be harmless, most desserts contain a sweetener called xylitol, which can be very deadly to pets with just a tiny amount.

Lastly, While you might not think twice about disposing of turkey bones and other holiday scraps in your trash bin, your pet might view this as an opportunity to treat themselves. Make sure your trash is secured in a cabinet or closet where pets cannot easily access it.

If your pet ingests something toxic, do not panic! Call us immediately and we will help guide you through the situation. If we’re closed, please call a local emergency clinic.

Got Visitors?

If you are hosting this Thanksgiving, there are some things that you can do to keep your pet safe.

Big crowds of visitors and meeting new people can cause anxiety and excitement in pets. With all the noise and activities occurring simultaneously, you might consider putting your nervous pet in a safe space away from people. Make sure to check in on your pet regularly and supply them with plenty of toys and treats to keep them distracted.

As guests enter and exit your home, keep an eye on the door! Be careful that your pet does not slip outside with a guest and somehow escape. To prevent your pet from getting lost, it is recommended that every pet gets an ID tag and/ or microchip. If your pet does end up outside, ID tags and microchips help reunite you and your lost pet.

Traveling With Your Pet

There is much stress associated with traveling. Whether by car or air, there are many things that travelers need to plan for, especially when it comes to pets.

To help ensure your pet’s safety while traveling, make an appointment for a checkup before departure. Ask your doctor for recommended ways to relax your pet during travel, whether through medication or natural remedies.

When traveling, you need to pack for not only yourself but your pet as well. Make sure you pack the correct kind and amount of food, medication, medical records, and ID information.

It would help to keep your pets safe in an airline-approved pet carrier. These carriers must conform to the size stated by the airline but should also be big enough for your pet to stand, sit, lie down, and turn around.

When traveling by car, make sure that your pet is never alone in a vehicle, no matter the weather or circumstance, and plan to make frequent stops to let your pet use the restroom, drink water, and stretch their legs.

As always, if you have any questions, we’re always available to help! Don’t forget to give your pet the best gift of all this holiday season and bring them in for a wellness exam to ensure they’re feeling their best.