Keep Your Dog Safe This Thanksgiving

Pet Influencer CarrieAnn MonteLeon

With guests coming and going, the house can get quite busy.

For some dogs who have a propensity of running toward the door, or out the door, it may be best to keep a leash on them that day.

You can also set up a comfortable space where your dog can retreat if they need a break. Setting up the space a week or two before the holiday can ensure that your dog is comfortable there.

You can also ensure that their favorite toys and bed are nearby. Having lots of people around may be a ton of fun for us, but can be overwhelming and sometimes stressful for our dogs.

Keep an Eye on the Door
With guests arriving, there’s a risk of your dog slipping out. Make sure they are secure, and consider using baby gates or keeping them on a leash during peak comings and goings.

Keep Dangerous Foods Out of Reach
Avoid harmful foods and relocate the garbage bin. On Thanksgiving, your dog’s amazing sense of smell will be working overtime. This is the day that your dogs will start to hover around the garbage area. If you use a regular garbage bin, please consider relocating it to the laundry room or someplace else where you can close the door for their safety.

Common Thanksgiving foods can be very dangerous for dogs. Turkey bones, skin, gravy, onions, shellfish, chocolate, and other desserts with artificial sweeteners like xylitol should be completely out of reach.

Drinks left within a dog’s reach can be very tempting! Ensure guests place cups out of reach, as alcohol and caffeinated beverages can make dogs very ill. This may sound silly where coffee is concerned, but many years ago, my Labrador, Emily, would love to sneak a sip of my coffee whenever I turned to my back.

Try to make sure that dog-friendly foods should be given in moderation. Too much rich or unfamiliar food can cause G.I. issues or more serious illnesses like pancreatitis.

Thanksgiving decor like candles, centerpieces, or some plants can be hazardous if knocked over or ingested. Keep decorations well out of reach and avoid leaving lit candles unattended.

Consider Exercise Before the Family Arrives
A tired puppy or dog is more likely to be calm and relaxed during the busy parts of the day. You may want to take them for a walk or spend some time running around the beach earlier in the day.

By keeping safety in mind while making them feel part of the family, your dog can enjoy Thanksgiving with their family.

From our home to yours, we wish everyone in our community a Beautiful and Blessed Thanksgiving!