Thanksgiving Safety Tips for Your Pet

Thanksgiving is just a few short weeks away. You’re probably getting ready to cook a big meal for the family, complete with all of the fixings, and decorate your home in preparation for the big day. But have you considered your pet’s safety? Below, your Sarasota, FL vet tells you about some Thanksgiving pet hazards to avoid. 

Careful With Toxic Foods

There are plenty of common Thanksgiving dishes and ingredients that your pet really should not ingest. The list includes onions, garlic, chives, fatty or buttery foods, grapes and raisins, certain nuts, salt, and sweet treats that contain chocolate or are sweetened with xylitol, an artificial sugar that is toxic to animals. Alcohol is another no-no for pets; it affects them just like it affects us, except that very small amounts can lead to alcohol poisoning. 


Keep an Eye on the Garbage

Your garbage may contain plenty of harmful things for pets, especially after the big meal is over. Turkey-wrapping twine can be swallowed by pets and cause intestinal blockage. Coffee grounds give your pet too much caffeine. Turkey bones can splinter apart when chewed and create sharp shards that could cut the mouth or pierce the intestines. Aluminum foil might be covered in fat and grease, which could lead to an upset stomach or vomiting. And that’s only a few examples! Keep a close eye on the garbage can to make sure your pet doesn’t go exploring.


Autumnal Decoration Dangers

You might have common autumnal decorations, such as gourds, pumpkins, or fall corn, set up around your home. Your pet might view these items as tasty snacks! They’re not necessarily toxic for pets, but too much of any foreign substance will make your pet sick. Plus, they present a choking hazard. Place decorations strategically and watch your pet carefully so they don’t decide to chow down.


Keep Things Low-Stress

There’s a lot of hustle and bustle around the holidays, especially if guests are coming over for Thanksgiving dinner. Try your best to keep things relatively low-key around the house this holiday, especially if your pet is sensitive to this kind of thing. All of the activity can be quite overwhelming for some of our animal companions! And make sure your pet is properly identified with ID tags, a microchip, or both just in case they decide to dart outside. 


Contact your Sarasota, FL vet for more Thanksgiving safety tips.