FOUR SEASONS BREEZE | NOVEMBER 2021 55
Thanksgiving is a holiday that's
centered around family, and we like
to include our furry family members.
Here are some tips to keep your pets safe
on Thanksgiving. Some Thanksgiving
dishes have ingredients that are toxic
to dogs and cats or can cause digestive
upset.
Avoid giving your pet turkey meat,
especially fatty dark meat and skin (a
small amount of unseasoned white
meat is okay), and never give them any
leftover bones. Garlic, onion, leeks, and chives are common in many
Thanksgiving dishes and are toxic to dogs and cats.
Avoid giving your pet cooked green beans, potatoes, stuffing, or
gravy. Unbaked yeast dough can cause a stomach blockage. Plus, the
natural fermentation of the yeast, in your cat or dog's stomach, can
cause alcohol poisoning.
Desserts like pies, cakes, or cookies should be kept out of your pet's
reach. Many people know that chocolate is toxic for dogs and cats,
but so are raisins, currants, and the popular sugar-substitute Xylitol.
Ask family and guests to not feed the dog or cat.
While the list of foods to avoid might seem overwhelming, there
are a few great options for some pet-friendly Thanksgiving treats.
Raw fruits and vegetables like baby carrots, apples, chunks of sweet
potato, or pumpkin puree (not the
sweetened, spiced pie filling) are
great options.
With family and friends coming
and going over Thanksgiving
weekend, make sure that your cat or
dog doesn't find their way out that
open front door and get lost. Setting
up gates can help keep your dog away
from the front door when guests
come and go (as well as prevent the
chaos of a jumping or barking dog at
the door). Keep your cat in a separate room with the door closed, so
they don't escape into the great outdoors.
Along with house guests, comes everything they carry with them,
and handbags, backpacks, or suitcases can be possible hazards for
your pets if they stick their noses where they don't belong. Things
like sugar-free Xylitol gum, candy bars, and human medication can
really put a damper on your holiday plans if ingested by your pet.
Have guests hang their bags on hooks rather than leaving them on
the floor and keep the guest room door closed to protect your pets.
By practicing these Thanksgiving pet safety tips, you and your
pet can enjoy a safe and happy holiday. ~ Vivian Walker, vivr@
sbcglobal.net
Tails & Trails - All Pets
