Thanksgiving is coming up quick! It’s always nice to celebrate the season with our friends and family members, and just relax over some delicious food. Of course, like any other holiday, Thanksgiving can be dangerous for dogs. A London, ON vet lists a few things for pet owners to be concerned of below.
Food
Food is probably the biggest hazard. Your canine buddy will be on high alert when those mouth-watering dishes start coming out of the oven. Unfortunately, many of those traditional foods aren’t safe for pets. Meat on the bone is one hazard. Cooked bones become quite brittle, and can snap into sharp shards. This not only makes them a choking hazard, it also means they can cause some very serious internal injuries if swallowed. Grapes, currants, and raisins are also dangerous, as they are highly toxic to dogs. Other dangerous foods include garlic, onion, scallions, and chives; avocado; chocolate; caffeine; alcohol; fruits with pips or seeds; and anything that contains xylitol. What can Fido have? Plain, cooked meat, fish, or poultry is always fine. Just remove the skin, bones, and fat first.
Fires/Heating Elements
Heaters, fireplaces, and candles are also on the list. Just taking a few precautions will greatly reduce the odds of any accidents. Use thick grates in front of fireplaces, and put candles in holders or on wall sconces, well out of paws’ reach. If you use a space heater, get a sturdy one with a high safety rating.
Guests
Your visitors of course should never pose a direct risk. We’re mentioning them here because there’s always a chance of mishaps. For instance, your canine buddy could slip out an open door as people are coming or going. Fido could also get underfoot and get stepped on. Keep a close eye on things. It’s also worth mentioning that many dogs get quite excited around guests. Taking time to walk and play with your pup before people arrive can help quite a bit here. Your canine pal will be much calmer after he’s burned off that excess energy.
Garbage
Man’s Best Friend is not above going through the garbage for leftovers. The trash could contain all sorts of hazards, such as bones, fat trimmings, toothpicks, can lids, and tinfoil. Use a sturdy wastebasket with a lid.
Enjoy your holiday! Please feel free to contact us, your London, ON pet hospital, anytime!
