Thanksgiving is right around the corner!

In a few days, we will do what we all normally do - spend time with our family, eat till we can’t eat anymore, nap and then watch a good football game! 

But what about our fur kids? 

Here are some tips on how to have them involved in the fun activities, but safe from the over indulgence the holiday is about!

A Dog-Safe Thanksgiving Feast!

Is Turkey Safe for Dogs? Turkey is a great treat to give your pet on Thanksgiving Day. Just make sure it is boneless and thoroughly cooked.  Raw and undercooked turkey can contain salmonella bacteria while a bone can lodge in their throat or may splinter - both extremely dangerous situations. Just give a little bit to satisfy their taste-buds.

ALSO - remove fat and skin to avoid diarrhea or more serious complications like pancreatitis.

Some other good choices to add to their little plate (in small amounts of course!)

• Sweet potatoes
• Carrots
• Green beans
• Eggs
• Apples
• Rice
• Peas
• Squash
• Pineapple
• Peanut Butter
• Pumpkin
• Bananas
• Cheese
• Melons
• Berries
• Chicken
• Oatmeal

Remember, they need just enough to satisfy their taste-buds, leave the over-indulgence to the humans!

Thanksgiving Foods that AREN'T Safe For Your Dog

The foods to be aware of:

• Herbs - including Sage and Nutmeg
• Onions
• Garlic
• Raisins
• Grapes
• Walnuts
• Macadamia Nuts
• Mushrooms
• Raw bread dough
• Sweets and treats - Chocolate and Artificial Sweeteners especially!

These foods can all cause upset tummy’s (who wants to clean up vomit and diarrhea on Thanksgiving Day and the day after, NOT me).  Some of these foods can damage your pet’s central nervous system too.  Cats are especially sensitive to oils in food. 

Raw bread dough can actually rise in your pet’s tummy, causing discomfort and a visit to the emergency vet room. 

Chocolate and other sweets are very harmful to our pets, their liver and kidneys do not break down the sugars like ours does.

The Arrival of Family and Friends

Prevent Escapes. If you have guest coming over, keep in mind that your pets might “Door Dart” with the constant guest coming in and out of the house.  Keep your pets safe and away from the door when your guests arrive.  This is not the time to train your dog to wait patiently as people are coming through the door. 

Children and Dogs. Children and dogs do not mix well without supervision.  Unfortunately, your dog cannot communicate to you if a child(ren) is bothering him or if they are feeling anxious.  Your dog will most likely nip out of fear or stress to communicate that message to the child.  It should go without saying, but here is a friendly reminder, please keep your dog away from all the festivities of the day, if your dog has a nipping, mouthing and biting issue.

Reserve a Quiet, "Dogs Only" Zone. It is not fair to expect your dog to enjoy many people in their territory and to be on their best behavior. Remember  - this is not the time to practice their training. Keep your guest and your dog happy by keeping your dog in a quiet secluded area.  Inform your guest they are not to disturb your dog unless they have your permission first.  Your dog will appreciate your leadership in this decision making process.

Make Your Pet’s Quiet Area Comfortable

Providing them with a few comfortable essentials like:

• a radio or TV,
• a cozy doggy bed and
• some favorite chew toys are a must. 

As a special thanksgiving treat, I LOVE to give Romeo and Izzy a frozen Kong filled with peanut butter and biscuits (or how about replacing that with the Turkey dinner mentioned above) which will keep them occupied for a few hours. 

Don’t forget to give them a potty break throughout the day!

A Word about Cats: Don’t forget about the cats! A house full of people they are not used to can be quite upsetting for some cats. I make sure Casey and Oliver have access to their food, water and litter-box in a quiet, "kid-free" area of the house. 

Have a wonderful and safe Thanksgiving with your guest and fur kids!

PHOTO CREDIT: timekin

Resources:  http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/pet-care-tips/thanksgiving-safety-tips.aspx