Believe it or not, Thanksgiving is approaching fast! As you start making preparations for the autumn holiday, it’s important to keep your pet’s safety in mind. Turkey Day can actually be very dangerous for our four-legged friends! In this article, a Cherry Hill, NJ vet lists some Thanksgiving hazards for pet parents to be aware of.
Food
Fluffy and Fido may be extremely interested in those delicious seasonal foods. However, many of our favorite dishes are very dangerous for them. Meat on the bone is a big concern here: cooked bones become very fragile, and can splinter into shards that can cause serious, even life-threatening injuries. Some other foods that are dangerous for pets include garlic, onions, and chives; gravy; raw meat, dough, or eggs; pitted fruits, especially avocados; nuts; grapes, currants, and raisins; chocolate; caffeine; and anything that contains xylitol.
Decorations
Fall decorations have a very cozy and beautiful feel, and can make your home look warm and inviting. Unfortunately, some of these decorative items can be quite dangerous to our four-legged friends. Anything with sharp edges, small parts, and/or dangling threads is a definite no-no: these things can easily choke or entangle playful pets.
Candles
Candles and pets are a very dangerous combination! Fido has been known to knock over candles with his tail, while Fluffy can accidentally stick her tail too close to the flame. Keep candles in high, secure places, well away from those adorable paws. If you use a fireplace or space heater, use a protective grate or baby gate to keep your furry pal away from it.
Open Doors
If you’re hosting this year’s gathering, be very careful as people are coming and going. Pets can get uneasy, excited, or frightened by the arrival of guests. You don’t want your furry buddy to slip out an open door!
Trash
We recommend clearing the table as soon as everyone is finished eating. Dispose of food scraps in a garbage can with a secure lid, in case Fluffy or Fido get any bright ideas about scoring some yummy treats from the trash bin. Plastic wrappers, bones, and tin foil with fat drippings are just a few waste items that can endanger your pet.
Do you have questions or concerns about your pet’s health or care? We are always happy to help! Please contact us, your local Cherry Hill, NJ animal clinic, anytime!
