Holidays can be stressful times, and this is true for pets as well. Here are a few suggestions on how you can ensure your dogs and/or cats are safe and healthy during your Thanksgiving day festivities. (And don’t forget to check with invited guests beforehand to see if anyone is allergic to your pets. You may need to keep your dog and/or cat sequestered from your guests.)

Guidelines for Pets on Thanksgiving

• Make sure all Thanksgiving day guests know the rules: no one should feed the pets any food meant for human consumption. This includes any snacks offered to guests before or after dinner, as well as the dinner items themselves. Foods that are high in salt and/or fatty foods such as turkey skin can cause inflammation of the pancreas. Onions and garlic are poisonous to dogs.
• Feed your dog or cat its normal food at the regular time. Do not change the feeding schedule.
• Do not deviate from the pet’s regular exercise schedule. Walking, playing in the yard, and other normal activities help reduce stress, so exercise can be especially important on Thanksgiving day.
• Safely dispose of any aluminum foil, wax paper, paper, or plastic wrap that was used to cover or wrap foods. Pets will try to lick the food off the packaging and may ingest the coverings, which can cause intestinal problems.
• Ensure your garbage is secure and away from where your pets can reach it.
• Do not allow your dog or cat to eat chocolate, as it can be harmful, even deadly, to pets. Signs that your pet has ingested chocolate include hyperactivity and rapid breathing. Seek medical attention if your pet shows signs of haven eaten chocolate.
• Keep turkey bones away from your pets. These bones can easily break and lodge in the esophagus or irritate the stomach or intestines.
• Make sure items such as skewers, toothpicks, and string (used to tie the turkey) are kept away from pets. They will be tempting because they smell and/or taste of food.
• If your pets are allowed to mingle with your guests, allow some quiet time as well. You can sequester your dog or cat in a spare room or in a large crate to help keep their excitement level down.
• Provide enough water for your pet. Keep it out of the way of house traffic but easily accessible for your cat or dog.
• Do not take your dog to Thanksgiving day parades. Crowds can increase a pet’s stress level, and it is possible for your pet to get lost in large gatherings.
• Make sure your pet has current identification tags and license (if applicable). It is easy for a pet to slip out the door when there are many people coming and going in the house.

If you think your pet has become poisoned by something it has eaten, call your vet or animal clinic immediately (they may be closed on the holiday) or call the Animal Poison Control Center at 1-888-426-4435 (there is a charge).
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving, and reward your pets with appropriate dog and cat treats!