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Thanksgiving Pet Safety

October 1, 2021

Thanksgiving is just a few days off now. Although many events will be cancelled, postponed, or downgraded this year, we know many people are still looking forward to enjoying some home-cooked food with their loved ones. If you’re hosting this year’s dinner, it’s probably safe to say that your pet will be right there with you, supervising your cooking, greeting guests, and generally getting underfoot. Read on for some great pet safety tips from a local Brampton, ON vet.

Food

One of the bigger concerns with the autumn holiday–or any dinner–is unsafe foods. Many of our favorite dishes are toxic to pets. Don’t give your furry friend anything that contains or was seasoned with garlic, onions, scallions, or chives. Meat on the bone is also unsafe; as are raw dough and yeast; grapes, currants, and raisins; avocado; chocolate; caffeine; alcohol; and anything that contains xylitol. If you do want to make your pet a plate, stick with items you know are safe. Plain, cooked meat, fish, or poultry without the skin, bones, or fat is always a safe bet.

Guests

Hopefully this goes without saying, but your guests should never pose a threat to your furry pals. The issue here is more about possible mishaps, such as someone leaving a door open. Or, Fido may chew somebody’s shoes, or convince someone to offer something that isn’t safe, such as meat on the bone. Keep a close eye on your pets, and ask visitors not to feed them without permission.

Allergies

If you know or suspect that some of your visitors may be allergic to pets, you’ll want to take a few extra steps to keep them comfortable. The day before your visitors arrive, thoroughly dust and vacuum your home. We also recommend getting a good air purifier. Remember to brush Fido and Fluffy, too. If it’s nice, dogs can be brushed outdoors, so the extra fur just blows away.

Manners

You want your furry friend to put their best paw forward. If you have a dog, walk and play with Fido before company arrives, so he’ll be a bit tired out … and therefore, calmer. As for Fluffy, well, try not to let her sleep on your guests’ coats or steal their chairs. Those antics are purr for the course with many kitties!

Enjoy your holiday! Contact us, your Brampton, ON animal clinic, for your pet’s veterinary care needs.