Thanksgiving is coming up fast! We know that many of you are looking forward to spending time with loved ones, while enjoying some delicious seasonal foods. Of course, your canine buddy will be more than happy to celebrate with you. Just take care to keep your pup safe! Read on as a Millstream, BC veterinarian discusses spending the autumn holiday with Fido.
Foods
Your four-legged buddy will be paying very close attention to those mouthwatering dishes. You can go ahead and make Fido a plate, but be careful what you offer him. Many of our favorite foods aren’t safe for dogs! For instance, garlic, onions, scallions, and chives are all toxic to pets, as is anything that has been seasoned with them. Grapes, raisins, and currants are also unsafe, as are chocolate, avocado, pitted fruits, alcohol, caffeine, meat on the bone, raw dough or yeast, and anything that contains xylitol. What can your pooch have? Plain, cooked meat, without the bones, skin, or fat, is a safe bet. Your pup may also enjoy some deli meat, or a bit of cheese or egg.
Decorations
Some of our canine pals are chewing machines! Keep anything Fido may be tempted to gnaw on out of paws’ reach. Candles are another concern. Make sure to keep candles in high, secure spots, out of paws’ reach.
Allergies
Our Thanksgiving happens to coincide with allergy season. Before your guests come over, throughouly dust and vaccum your house, and give Fido a good brushing. You may want to set out some tissues and OTC meds.
Guests
Dogs are all unique individuals. Some see visitors as walking opportunities for extra treats and belly rubs. Others are more suspicious. If Fido gets anxious or agitated around visitors, put him in a quiet back room as people are coming and going. You can use a baby gate to keep him out of the way, without making him feel too isolated. Also, be sure to ask guests not to feed your furry buddy without checking.
Workout
Before your guests start arriving, take Fido for a long walk, and then play with him. You want to tire him out a bit, so he sleeps through the festivities. Tired dogs are good dogs!
Happy Thanksgiving! Please do not hesitate to reach out if ever we can be of assistance. As your Millstream, BC animal clinic, we’re here to help!
