Thanksgiving Tips for Pet Owners

Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude and giving, but when it comes to including your pets in the festivities, you should share with caution. Turkey Day celebrations can lead to animal dangers or discomforts, especially when owners attempt to treat their pets too much like "one of the family."

Keep Human Food on the Table
According to the ASPCA, feeding your pet table-scraps is the biggest Thanksgiving Day hazard. They recommend avoiding problems altogether by leaving your pet in the kitchen, yard or elsewhere with a chew toy or snack while the humans eat the good stuff. If you feel an uncontrollable urge to let Fido sample your meal, scale it back to a small amount and avoid food with lots of seasoning, onions, raisins, garlic or chocolate (all of which can cause abdominal pain, complications or even death).

Meats and Doughs
Be sure to not feed your pets any uncooked dough or meat. Salmonella is present in raw eggs and meat, and the ASPCA notes that "when raw bread dough is ingested, an animal's body heat causes the dough to rise in his stomach. As it expands, the pet may experience vomiting, severe abdominal pain and bloating, which could become a life-threatening emergency requiring surgery." Even cooked meat can be harmful if it is coated in gravy or grease. If you are going to allow your dog to scarf down turkey, make sure there are no bones that could splinter and be harmful to the pet.



Kitchen Hazards
Curious pets can get hurt lurking in the kitchen while you cook. Try to keep furry or feathered friends away from a hot oven, boiling water and other danger zones. And beware of setting down drinks within an animal's reach, because caffeine and alcohol can be toxic to dogs.

Shy Pets
If your animal is timid it might be a good idea to provide an alternative to the boisterous party atmosphere. Remember that not all animals are as social as humans. The American Kennel Club suggests that if your dog is "uncomfortable or frightened around a large group of unfamiliar people, you may want to confine your dog to a crate or a room that will not be used by guests."

Ultimately, holiday safety tips come down to being sensitive to your pet's needs and keeping them at a distance from human celebratory feasts. After all, while an annual food coma is a good feeling for most of us people, it should remain a human-only experience.

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