Taking A Look At Thanksgiving, The Many Potential Hazards It Can Impose On Your Pets, And How To Keep Your Pets Safe This Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is a time for gathering with loved ones, enjoying delicious meals, and celebrating the season of gratitude. While it’s a wonderful occasion for humans, it can pose several hazards to our furry companions. With the hustle and bustle of the holiday, it’s important to be aware of the potential dangers your pets may face and how to keep them safe. Below are some common Thanksgiving hazards for pets and tips on how to prevent them.

1. Toxic Foods

The Thanksgiving feast is full of rich, savory dishes, but many of these foods can be harmful to pets.

Turkey Bones:

Cooked turkey bones can splinter and cause choking or blockages in your pet’s digestive tract. Never give your pet bones from your Thanksgiving meal.

Stuffing and Gravy:

These dishes often contain onions, garlic, and other seasonings that are toxic to dogs and cats. Onions and garlic can damage their red blood cells and lead to anemia.

Chocolate and Desserts:

Chocolate is toxic to both dogs and cats, especially dark chocolate. Desserts often contain ingredients like xylitol (a sugar substitute) which is extremely dangerous for pets.

Alcohol:

Alcoholic beverages can cause severe toxicity in pets, leading to vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, and even death in severe cases.

Prevention Tip: Keep human food away from pets and educate your guests on what foods are unsafe for animals. Prepare a pet-safe treat, such as plain cooked turkey or store-bought pet snacks, so they don’t feel left out of the celebration.

2. Decorations

Thanksgiving decorations like candles, wreaths, and seasonal plants can pose risks if pets decide to chew or play with them.

Candles:

Curious pets can knock over lit candles, potentially starting a fire or burning themselves.

Seasonal Plants:

Plants like lilies, holly, and mistletoe are toxic to pets. Even if you’re using faux plants, pets that chew on them can ingest small pieces that may cause choking or gastrointestinal issues.

Table Centerpieces:

Centerpieces with small, loose parts or decorations can become choking hazards if your pet swallows them.

Prevention Tip: Keep decorations out of your pet’s reach, especially candles and plants. Opt for flameless candles and non-toxic plants, and always supervise your pet when they’re around holiday décor.

3. Overexcited or Anxious Pets

The excitement of Thanksgiving gatherings can cause stress or anxiety for pets, especially if there are a lot of unfamiliar faces and noises.

Anxiety from Crowds:

Pets who aren’t used to large gatherings may become anxious or overwhelmed by the number of people and the noise level.

Door Dashing:

With guests coming and going, your pet may take the opportunity to slip out the door, especially if they’re feeling anxious or overstimulated.

Prevention Tip: Create a safe space for your pet where they can retreat if they feel overwhelmed, such as a quiet room with their bed, toys, and water. Make sure your pet is wearing proper identification in case they do manage to slip out the door. Consider putting up baby gates or barriers to limit their access to the entryway.

4. Trash Dangers

After the feast, the trash can become a treasure trove of hazards for curious pets.

Bones and Food Wrappings:

Pets may get into the trash and ingest bones, plastic wrap, or foil that was used to cook and store the food. This can lead to choking, blockages, or poisoning.

Spoiled Food:

Leftover food sitting in the trash for too long can grow bacteria, and if ingested by your pet, can cause serious health problems such as food poisoning or gastrointestinal distress.

Prevention Tip: Make sure the trash is securely covered or placed in an area where your pet cannot access it. Take out the trash regularly, especially after big meals like Thanksgiving, to reduce the temptation for pets.

5. Holiday Travel Stress

If you’re traveling for the holiday, leaving your pet behind or taking them with you can cause stress.

Travel Anxiety:

Some pets don’t enjoy car rides or airplane travel, which can lead to anxiety, vomiting, or stress.

Boarding Stress:

If your pet stays at a boarding facility while you’re away, they may experience stress from being in an unfamiliar environment with strange animals and noises.

Prevention Tip: If traveling with your pet, ensure they are safely secured in a crate or pet seatbelt and have plenty of water and breaks during long drives. If you’re leaving them behind, make sure they are boarded in a trusted facility or left with a reliable pet sitter. Provide your pet with familiar items like their favorite blanket or toy to help ease anxiety.

6. Counter Surfing

Pets often try to sneak food from the counter or dining table, especially with all the delicious smells around.

Stolen Food:

Pets that jump on counters or tables may steal food items that are harmful to them or that are too rich, leading to pancreatitis or gastrointestinal upset.

Prevention Tip: Train your pets to stay off counters and tables, and be diligent about clearing food away when no one is watching. Keep food covered and out of reach, and make sure your pet is fed on their regular schedule to reduce their temptation to steal.

Keeping Our Pets Safe This Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is a joyful time to celebrate with family, friends, and our beloved pets. By being mindful of the hazards that come with the holiday and taking preventative measures, you can ensure your pet remains safe and happy throughout the festivities. Keep a close eye on what they are exposed to, provide them with a safe space, and offer pet-friendly alternatives so they can enjoy the holiday right alongside you!

Hire A Pet Sitter This Thanksgiving!

Pets need regular stimulation to stay happy and mentally healthy. If you don’t have the time to regularly stimulate your pets, then consider hiring a professional pet sitter! Here at Stay At Home Pet Services, we offer quality pet sitting services at competitive prices. We have over 10 years of experience, our sitters are certified in pet first aid & CPR, and we love all pets as if they were our own.

We are located in Cincinnati, OH and service the following areas of East Walnut Hills, Hyde Park, Mt Lookout, Oakley, Norwood, Kennedy Heights, Pleasant Ridge, Tusculum, East End, Mariemont, Fairfax, Madisonville, Mt Washington, Dillonvale, Deer Park, Silverton, Kenwood, Madeira, Indian Hill, and Anderson Township. 

Click here to become a client today or give us a call at 513-706-7702. Be sure to check us out on Facebook and Instagram too! We post everyday, so make sure you follow us so you don’t miss out on any adorable pet pictures.