Thanksgiving is a holiday where loved ones come together, enjoy a delicious feast, and sometimes take advantage of great Black Friday deals! And because many pet owners indulge during the holidays, so do their pets. But just because it’s a holiday, doesn’t mean you should let your guard down and feed your pet human food that could impact its health and lead to illness. There are plenty of fun AND safe ways to let your pet participate this Thanksgiving! Using Germantown Vet’s Thanksgiving pet safety tips ensures a happy and healthy holiday.
Thanksgiving Pet Tip #1: Just Say No
Do you know any dogs that don’t beg for food at the kitchen table? Neither do we! Dogs (and sometimes cats) are notorious for eating every scrap of food they can find. Whether it’s your kid’s chicken nuggets or a hearty drumstick from the Thanksgiving turkey, if it’s food, your pet will eat it!
During the holidays, don’t feed your pet any sort of human food. Pets’ digestive systems aren’t designed to eat people food on a regular basis, and too much could lead to health complications.
Having a talk with family and close friends can help. Explain to them that although it’s tempting, you shouldn’t feed any people food to your pet this Thanksgiving. This applies especially if you have children who could easily sneak a piece of stuffing or turkey under the table on the big day.
Thanksgiving Pet Tip #2: Create a Challenge
Whether it’s the commotion that accompanies cooking Thanksgiving dinner or the great conversation you’re having with a relative, distractions make us miss what’s happening around us—including what our pet’s doing. As a result, your pet can easily get in trouble by eating food without you even knowing!
While it’s hard to remove all distractions, you CAN make it harder for your pet to access food it shouldn’t eat. While preparing the meal, try placing food on higher surfaces or counters where your pet can’t reach it. You’re more likely to notice a dog jumping on your kitchen table than one that coyly eats beneath it.
Thanksgiving Pet Tip #3: Provide an Alternative
Of course, you shouldn’t completely deprive your pet. At Germantown Vet, we understand your pet isn’t just an animal—he’s a member of your family. Try investing in dog or cat treats your pet can indulge on instead of human food. Many pet food companies develop special flavored treats around this time. If you feed your pet the right food, it can still participate in the holidays–tummy-ache free!
Still have questions about how to handle your pet’s eating habits this holiday season? If you want more information or if your pet accidentally ingested something this Thanksgiving, give us a call!
