Keep Your Pets Safe This Thanksgiving

Americans celebrate Thanksgiving this week, and that generally 
means lots of food, plenty of decorations, and much activity. People can stress during this time of year, and so can our pets. To enjoy a better holiday, especially regarding our beloved animals, here are a few safety tips:

1. With the door opening and closing due to
    guests in
   the home, ensure your pet has a safe area, whether that’s a room with toys, food and water, and a bed, or a crate with the same. Keeping your dog or cat confined while people are in and out of the home will prevent your pet from escaping and get lost/locked outdoors.
2. Make sure your pets are wearing ID and/or are microchipped
    in case they do 
   escape.
3. Keep plants and flowers out of reach. Many species of plants and flowers are toxic to dogs and cats (see a list at the ASCPCA’s website: https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants). Therefore, it’s best to not buy these and to keep all flowers and plants out of your animal’s reach (which can be difficult if you have cats that climb).
4. Thanksgiving decorations can pose a danger to pets. If you have a chewer, like a puppy, make sure electrical cords are protected against exploring teeth. Also, candles can be knocked over
   , causing a fire. Therefore, keep a close eye on these, or better yet, use battery-operated candles for that festive flair and put your mind at ease that flickering candles won’t spoil Thanksgiving.
5. Be mindful of human foods that can harm pets. Thanksgiving feasts tempt all of us with delicious aromas and tastes; our pets are also tempted
   , and we may be tempted
   to feed them from the table or after dinner. However, there are many human foods which are toxic to dogs, cats, and other pets. Some of those include: grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, nuts, and yeast dough. Find more here: https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/people-foods-avoid-feeding-your-pets

Below is an infographic created by a veterinary clinic with more food safety tips for this week’s holiday.
 
If you believe has been poisoned
 by food or plants or something else, you can contact the ASPCA’s Poison Control Hotline: (888) 426-4435.

​May you and your family and your pets enjoy a safe, blessed and happy Thanksgiving!

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