As Thanksgiving approaches, families in Milwaukee are preparing for a day filled with gratitude, festive feasts, and quality time with loved ones. For many, this includes our cherished four-legged companions. While reveling in the holiday spirit, it's important to keep our pets' safety in mind. Continue reading for your guide on how to ensure a paw-sitively happy Thanksgiving for everyone, including our furry friends.
Guard the Feast
Guarding the feast is not just about protecting the Thanksgiving spread but also ensuring the safety and well-being of our furry companions. The tantalizing aroma of Thanksgiving delights can be irresistible to pets, and their curiosity might lead them to explore the enticing world of tables and counter tops. From turkey and stuffing to desserts and side dishes, the holiday feast is a treasure trove of potential hazards for our pets. Bones, chocolate, and certain ingredients can pose serious risks to their health. To avoid any mishaps, it's important to keep a watchful eye on our pets, restricting their access to unsupervised food areas. By doing so, we not only protect our pets from potential harm but also contribute to a stress-free Thanksgiving celebration that is joyful, and, above all, safe for every member of the family, including our beloved four-legged friends.
Beware of Holiday Foods
In addition to being vigilant about chocolate, it's important to extend our awareness to other potentially harmful foods that find their way onto the Thanksgiving table. Raisins, commonly found in desserts, can lead to kidney failure in dogs, while stuffing may contain ingredients like onions and garlic, both of which can cause digestive issues and, in large quantities, be toxic to pets. Garlic and chives, often used in savory dishes, can also pose a threat. Onions, whether cooked or raw, can lead to a condition called hemolytic anemia in dogs and cats. Gravy may be tasty for us, but its high-fat content can lead to pancreatitis in pets. The sweetness of cranberry sauce may be appealing, but its high sugar content can upset a pet's stomach. Yams, a Thanksgiving staple, can cause gastrointestinal upset due to their richness. Being mindful of these potential hazards and avoiding sharing these foods with our pets is crucial to their well-being. This precautionary approach ensures that our furry friends stay safe and healthy, allowing everyone to enjoy a Thanksgiving feast without any unexpected trips to the vet.
Emergency Preparedness
Holidays often bring unexpected surprises, and having a back-up emergency plan for your pet is essential. Take the time to identify alternative veterinary options in case your regular vet is unavailable during the holiday festivities. Whether it's a sudden illness, a minor injury, or any unforeseen circumstance, being prepared ensures that your pet can receive prompt and necessary care, even on holidays when veterinary services might be limited. Having a clear understanding of emergency procedures and available resources not only provides peace of mind for pet owners but also guarantees that our furry companions can enjoy a safe and happy Thanksgiving, no matter what surprises the day may hold.
Identification Matters
Identification matters significantly during the Thanksgiving festivities, as the hustle and bustle of the holiday can create opportunities for curious pets to slip away unnoticed. Before the joyous celebrations commence, take a moment to double-check that your pet is wearing visible ID tags containing up-to-date information. Additionally, ensuring your pet has a microchip with accurate details provides an extra layer of security. The excitement of the day, coupled with potential distractions, may tempt pets to venture beyond the familiar surroundings of the Thanksgiving celebration. In the unfortunate event that a pet goes missing, having proper identification becomes the key to a swift reunion. It allows anyone who finds your pet to contact you promptly, ensuring that the holiday remains a joyous occasion for both you and your furry friend. So, before the Thanksgiving feast begins, take the time to safeguard your pet with the gift of proper identification.
Provide a Safe Haven
Recognizing that Thanksgiving gatherings can be a sensory overload for some pets, it becomes imperative to prioritize their comfort and well-being amidst the hustle and bustle. If your furry friend is feeling stressed or overwhelmed by the extra noise and influx of holiday guests, consider creating a designated safe haven for them. This quiet and comfortable retreat, away from the festive commotion, provides a sanctuary where pets can find solace and relaxation. Equipped with their favorite toys, a cozy bed, and perhaps some soothing background music, this haven offers a stress-free environment for pets to unwind until the celebrations wind down. This thoughtful gesture not only safeguards your pet's emotional well-being but also ensures that they can engage in the Thanksgiving festivities at their own pace, contributing to a pleasant and joyful holiday experience for the entire family.
Post-Thanksgiving Hazards
The aftermath of Thanksgiving festivities brings with it a spike in food hazard claims, surging by 83%, with a simultaneous increase of 53% in claims related to bone ingestion. In the wake of the feast, it's imperative to remain vigilant in ensuring our pets' safety. Leftovers, often abundant after a grand Thanksgiving meal, can harbor hidden dangers for our furry companions. Bones, in particular, pose a significant risk, potentially causing choking, digestive blockages, or splintering that can lead to internal injuries. To safeguard our pets' well-being, a proactive approach is essential. Swiftly clean up leftovers, secure trash bins, and be cautious about what makes its way into the garbage. This preventative measure significantly reduces the risk of pets accessing potentially harmful items and helps maintain a post-Thanksgiving environment that is not only festive but also safe for our loyal companions.
For a more comprehensive guide, be sure to check out our Thanksgiving Safety Tips PDF from Fear Free Happy Homes.
In the spirit of gratitude and celebration, let us not forget the devoted companions that bring immeasurable joy into our lives—our cherished pets. As we prepare for Thanksgiving, the tips provided above serve as a compass for ensuring a holiday brimming with happiness and safety for every family member, whether they have two legs or four. By guarding the feast, prioritizing identification, being prepared for emergencies, providing a safe haven for our pets during the festivities, and staying vigilant about post-Thanksgiving hazards, we can create an environment where our pets thrive and we can relax. For a more comprehensive guide, be sure to check out our Thanksgiving Safety Tips PDF from Fear Free Happy Homes.
Wishing you and your furry friends a Thanksgiving that is not only filled with gratitude but also pawsitively wonderful memories.
Since joining the team in June 2024, Maddie has been showing our furry clients a great time with home visits, pack plays, and sniffaris! Continue reading to learn more about the fun and hard working person behind the leash!