Thanksgiving is a time for families to come together and eat lots of food, but it’s important to keep your dog safe during the holiday. Read on as a local vet offers some tips on keeping your dog safe during Thanksgiving.

Doggie Dangers

Pet owners should be aware of the dangers that may be present in their homes during the holiday, including leftovers with bones (which can cause choking), and cleaning products that are toxic to pets. Here are some tips for keeping your dog safe on Thanksgiving:

No People Food for Fido

You should never give your pet people food, even if they beg for it. Dogs can get sick from eating foods that are not meant for them. Foods like chocolate and onions are toxic to dogs, so keep those items away from your canine companion! Here are a couple more things to keep in mind:

• Make sure you’re aware of all foods being served and where they will be located so you can keep them out of reach from your pet.
• Keep all trash cans closed tightly so dogs cannot get into them – even if there is no food inside! 

Exercise Caution With Decorations

• Don’t let your dog chew on or destroy decorations.
• Don’t leave your dog alone with decorations.
• Don’t let your dog have access to the fireplace.

Keep an Eye on Fido During Parties

If you’re hosting a Thanksgiving party this year, keep an eye on your pet. While it’s tempting to let your dog run around and sniff the other guests’ shoes, loud noises and crowds can make him nervous. If there’s an area where people will be eating or drinking, try to keep him away from that space so he doesn’t get too interested in the food.  And if you’ll be having guests who are drinking alcohol at the party, don’t leave your dog alone with them unless he’s very well-behaved and calm around strangers—otherwise, it could be dangerous for both of you!

Make Sure Your Pet Has a Safe Place to Go

Make sure your pet has a safe place where he can go if he gets overwhelmed by the busyness of Thanksgiving. It’s also important to make sure that you have a quiet room in which your dog can retreat if necessary so that he doesn’t feel out of control with all of the noise going on around him.  As long as you keep these tips in mind, you can rest easy knowing that your pet will have a fantastic time spending Thanksgiving with his family too!  If you have more questions or your dog needs emergency medical care, please don’t hesitate to call us, your local vet anytime!