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Next > The smell of the feast is sure to have tails wagging, but busy crowds of family and friends and an abundance of food may present safety hazards for your clients’ pets. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) offers the following tips to keep pets safe this holiday season.
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| The Thanksgiving feast is for people – not pets. Table scraps may seem like a fun way to include a pet in the holiday, but many foods are poisonous to pets, including onions, garlic, raisins and grapes. Got to AVMA.org for a complete list of foods and household items that are dangerous or poisonous to pets. |
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Just because it’s dead, doesn’t mean it’s not deadly. A turkey carcass left in an open trash container or one that’s easily opened could prove deadly if the family pet finds it. A pet that “discovers” the carcass can quickly eat so much that it causes pancreatitis, which can cause death fairly quickly. Dispose of turkey carcasses in a covered, tightly secured container along with anything used to wrap or tie the meat and any bones left on plates. These are also hazards and can be very tempting for pets |
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| Desserts and pets don’t mix. Most people understand that chocolate is poisonous to pets, and that the darker it is the more deadly it is, but an artificial sweetener called Xylitol has also been shown to be just as deadly to dogs. Xylitol is a common sweetener used in baked goods. |
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| Want to treat a pet on Thanksgiving? Buy a treat that is made just for them. Pets will enjoy the treat just as much as anything else, and it can spare a holiday spent at the emergency clinic. |
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For some pets, houseguests can be scary. Pets shy or excitable around new people may have a hard time around the holidays when new people may be visiting. If a dog or cat can be overwhelmed when people come over, they should stay in another room or a crate so they’re out of the frenzy and feel safe. Boarding may also be a smart option to remove them completely from this upsetting situation.
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| Decorations can be dangerous. As Thanksgiving tables are dressed with centerpieces and flowers, they should be kept up and away from your pets. Some decorations look good enough to eat and pets may decide to have a taste. Depending on the flower or decoration, this can result in stomach upset or worse. Lilies, in particular, are deadly to cats. Pine cones and needles, if consumed by a pet, can cause an intestinal blockage or even perforate the animal’s intestine. |
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| Fire, kids and pets make a bad combination. Dinner by candlelight can provide an elegant atmosphere for a holiday meal, but where there’s a flame, there’s the opportunity for disaster. Children and pets should be kept away from any open flame or fire. If their safety can’t be ensured in the holiday commotion battery operated candles can be used. And forget the fireplace, no amount of elegance or cozy will make up for an injured loved one or a house that’s burnt to the ground. |
