Follow These Tips to Have a Safe Thanksgiving with Fido
The holiday season is officially here. As we continue to enjoy fall, you might be gearing up for the most delicious holiday of the year: Thanksgiving! This can be a stressful time as is, but when you add furry friends to the mix, the holidays can feel more hectic than normal. If you’re hosting family and friends this holiday season, it’s crucial to ensure Fido’s safety whether you choose to include your pet in the festivities or not.
Creating a Pet-Safe Environment While Hosting for Thanksgiving
There are a few ways to help your pet enjoy Thanksgiving safely and help you avoid a headache. First, set up an area in your home that is human-free. Yes, we know this sounds silly, but your canine needs a chaos-free, safe space to relax if they become overstimulated with all the holiday fun. In the same way, you might designate a pet-free zone and do the same for your guests. This ensures your pup can roam freely in their home and relax when they’re ready to call it a night. If you’re hosting but cannot manage a pup and guests simultaneously, this area is a great space to let your dog roam while the party commences.
Once you’ve decided whether or not your furbaby will be participating in the festivities, one of the most significant safety risks to be mindful of is food in the trash. If your dog gets ahold of toxic foods or trash, they could be in for serious tummy troubles. Not to mention, you’d have to face a giant mess. To avoid this, keep trash bags and cans away from pups with a history of trash-curiosity. You may consider keeping trash in the garage or taking it out immediately. While dog-proofing your home, consider how your Thanksgiving decor may cause potential risks for your canine.
What Thanksgiving Foods Can My Dog Enjoy?
Once you’ve taken care of the unconventional food, like garbage that your dog might be tempted to eat on Thanksgiving, you can determine what foods you can dish up in your dog’s bowl. Avoid greasy and fatty foods; these can upset your dog’s stomach and lead to other health issues when overindulged.
Turkey bones are also a no-go. Bones of any sort can cause choking or an upset stomach if eaten. Bones are a great chew toy but not a good snack. Save these bones for a bone broth or toss them to keep them out of Fido’s tummy. Plain foods like unseasoned mashed potatoes and plain turkey meat are great options, and most pups also love pumpkins. Pumpkin treats can be an excellent way for your dog to be included in celebrating this food-centric holiday. Check out a complete Thanksgiving food guide for your furbaby here!
Traveling with your Pup for Thanksgiving
Suppose you’re not hosting a holiday party and traveling with your pup instead. In that case, you should take a few safety precautions beforehand to ensure a successful trip for everyone involved. Consider using a seatbelt dog harness for long road trips or car traveling. If you’re wearing a seatbelt, Fido should, too.
For longer trips, you may consider taking a flight. In this instance, you should contact your veterinarian beforehand. They may be able to prescribe medications for your dog if they suffer from flight-induced stress. Your pet may not be ready for a long flight or drive. If that’s the case, arrange boarding for your furbaby so they have care while you’re away; they’ll be thankful that you did!
Thanksgiving is a time to show appreciation, so don’t forget to show your dog all the love, affection, and gratitude they deserve! No matter how you celebrate, this guide will surely make including Fido in the Thanksgiving festivities a breeze!