Thanksgiving week is here, and we hope that you are able to gather with friends and family – including the furry ones – to enjoy harvest fun, delicious food, and quality time. However, it’s important for dog owners to be aware of the hazards that can come hand in hand with the festival of plenty. If you’re wondering how you can prepare, Curbicus is here with the guide to keep Thanksgiving safe for all of your guests, including the pups.
The Feast Belongs on the Table, Not in the Dog Bowl
While those puppy dog eyes may tempt you or your guests to slip Rover some table scraps, this can be highly dangerous for many reasons. While most veterinarians agree that a few bites of fully cooked boneless, skinless, unseasoned turkey are fine for a Thanksgiving treat, anything else from the table should be considered off-limits.
Fatty foods, such as poultry skin, meat drippings, butter, bacon, and gravy pose a threat of pancreatitis, and bones can cause choking and intestinal damage if eaten by dogs. Raw eggs and turkey may contain salmonella bacteria, and raw yeast bread dough can expand in your dog’s digestive system and lead to dangerous bloating. Thanksgiving dishes may also contain ingredients that are deathly toxic to dogs, such as raisins, onions, chocolate, and the artificial sweetener Xylitol.
Some ingredients that are high in sodium, such as turkey brine or bouillon cubes, can cause seizures and gastrointestinal problems as well. Be sure to keep your pets away from food preparation and serving areas, advise your guests not to give table scraps or human snacks to your dog, and make sure that you have the number of an emergency vet or animal poison control center in case of accidental ingestions. The ASCPA has a 24-hour Poison Control hotline at 888-426-4435 (be aware, they may charge a consultation fee).
Decorations Can Be Dangers – and the Trash Can Too
Another reason to keep dogs out of areas where Thanksgiving food will be made or eaten is to keep them clear of the garbage can. While we may think to warn pups away from the kitchen or dining table, the food smells from the trash bin could prove too tempting for curious noses, leading to all of the dangerous or toxic consumption hazards listed above. Be sure to dispose of turkey carcasses, bones, and Thanksgiving food waste in a tightly secured trash bag outdoors or in a closed-off area that your dog will not have access to.
Another consideration is your seasonal harvest decorations, such as corn cobs, floral arrangements, pine cones, or gourds, which can pose choking and intestinal blockage hazards. And while they set a festive mood, lit candles can be burn risks for wagging tails. Consider placing these items high out of reach for dogs, or skipping them altogether.
Open Doors to Welcome Guests, but Look Out for Canine Escape Artists
Thanksgiving tends to be full of opening and closing doors: guests arriving and departing, trash being taken out, and even food deliveries (hey, we don’t judge). Needless to say, this be an unintended opportunity for dogs to make a break for the outdoors, especially if they are feeling anxious or energized by all the activity. The best way to avoid this is to secure your furry pal in an area away from the hubbub with a few favorite toys and a cozy place to sleep. However, if your pup is more the social butterfly type, be sure to keep an eye on them whenever a door is opening, and ask your guests to do the same. And just to be safe, check that your dog’s microchip and ID information is up to date.
Lessen Travel Stress by Preparing Ahead of Time
If your canine companion is joining you for a Thanksgiving road trip, it’s best to plan ahead for the journey to ensure everyone’s safety. Dogs should always be restrained in carsvia a carrier, crate, or safety harness to prevent distracted or impaired driving, and should be kept away from airbags which can crush them in the event of an accident. In addition to updated microchip and ID information, you may also want to bring along a physical or digital copy of your pet’s vaccination records, just in case of a trip to the emergency vet. And of course, it is never safe to leave your dog unattended in a car, so be sure to plan for pit stops that are canine-friendly.
Thanksgiving is a time to celebrate togetherness, and we know that includes the dogs in your life. Following these expert-approved safety tips is a great way to make sure the holidays are happy for the whole family. Happy Thanksgiving!
Written by Cara Broel
Curbicus is a revolutionary, mess-free product that allows pet owners to quickly clean up after their animals. Have a question? Reach out to the team today to learn more.
