Thanksgiving is just a few weeks away now. People are already making preparations (and shopping lists) for the autumn holiday. We’re definitely thankful for our canine companions! Of course, like any other holiday, Thanksgiving does present a few dangers and concerns for pet owners to be aware of. A local Saginaw, MI vet goes over some of them in this article.

Food

Food is one of the main concerns here. Fido has a very healthy appetite, and isn’t shy about begging for scraps. Many of those delicious seasonal dishes are toxic to our canine friends. Anything that contains garlic, onion, scallions, or chives is unsafe for your pup. Grapes and raisins are also extremely dangerous: some dogs go into organ failure after eating just one. Meat on the bone is dangerous as well. Bone becomes very brittle once it’s cooked, and can break off into razor-sharp shards. Other unsafe foods include chocolate, avocado, and alcohol. Play it safe, and only offer your pooch things you know are safe. Plain, cooked meat, fish, or poultry is fine, as long as you remove the skin, bones, and fat. Ask your vet for more information.

Décor

While some dogs won’t take any notice of decorations, others are bound to investigate absolutely everything within paws’ reach. Keep that in mind as you get your household ready. Anything small or sharp is a concern. You’ll also want to keep long, stringy objects, such as garlands and string lights, in spots your four-legged friend can’t reach. Be very careful with candles and fireplaces as well.

Guests

Hopefully this goes without saying, but guests shouldn’t be considered a threat. The issue here is more the possibility of mishaps, such as someone stepping on Fido or accidentally giving him something unsafe. Keep a close eye on things. You may want to put your pooch in another room during dinner, especially if he has a begging habit. We’d also recommend tiring your canine pal out with a fun play session before visitors arrive. A new toy isn’t a bad idea, either! 

Travel

Heading to someone else’s house for the holiday? If you’ll be gone overnight, we’d recommend boarding your furry best buddy if you can’t bring him with you. If you are taking him along, make sure he is microchipped, wearing ID tags, and current on vaccines and parasite control. 

Happy Thanksgiving! Please reach out to us for all of your pet’s veterinary care needs. As your local Saginaw, MI animal hospital, we’re here to help!