Thanksgiving Pet Safety: How To Keep Your Pets Happy and Healthy in Fayetteville, Arkansas

Thanksgiving is a time for family, delicious food, and making memories. At Crossover Veterinary Clinic, we know that your pets are part of the family, and that you want to include them. The holiday season can bring certain risks for pets, though. To ensure a pet-friendly Thanksgiving in Fayetteville, AR, we’ve put together some essential Thanksgiving pet safety tips that will help your furry friends have a fun and safe holiday.

Keep the Feast on the Table

While you may be tempted to share your Thanksgiving feast with your pets, many holiday foods can be harmful to animals.

Fatty turkey skin, rich gravy, stuffing, and desserts often contain ingredients that can upset your pet’s stomach or even cause serious health issues. Onions, garlic, grapes, raisins, and certain spices are toxic to pets, so it’s best to keep these off-limits. Instead, offer your pet a small amount of plain, lean cooked turkey meat (no bones, please) or some plain roasted veggies as a special treat.

Likewise, the aftermath of a Thanksgiving meal often results in full trash cans that can be enticing to pets. Unfortunately, the trash may contain food scraps, bones, and other food-scented items that can be harmful if ingested. Be sure to secure your trash in a pet-proof container and keep it out of reach to prevent your pet from getting into anything dangerous.

Mind Your Decor

Thanksgiving and autumn decorations add a festive touch to your home, but they can also pose hazards to your pets. Items to keep an eye on include:

• Candles and wax melts
• Potpourri
• Ribbons
• Decorative gourds or corn
• Loose cords

Curious pets may ingest, chew, or knock over items, causing choking, blockages, or even burns. Opt for pet-safe decorations and place them out of reach to prevent any accidents.

Create a Pet Safe Space

Thanksgiving can be a busy and noisy time with friends and family coming and going. Some pets enjoy the extra attention, but many may feel stressed or overwhelmed. 

To ensure your pet feels safe and comfortable, create a quiet space where they can retreat if the hustle and bustle become too much. Include things like:

• A cozy bed
• Some favorite toys
• White noise like soft music or a television on a low volume
• Dim, calming lighting
• Pheromones like Feliway or Thunderease

A  calm environment can help reduce anxiety and make your pet feel secure.

With guests frequently coming and going, there’s also a higher risk of your pet slipping out the door unnoticed. To avoid this, be sure your pet is safely secured in another room during comings and goings. Additionally, check that your pet’s ID tags and microchip information are up to date just in case.

Practice Good Habits

Before the festivities begin, take your dog for a long walk or engage in a fun play session with your cat. Exercise can help burn off excess energy and reduce any anxiety or stress your pet might feel during the holiday. A tired pet is often a well-behaved pet, which can make the holiday more enjoyable for everyone. Besides that, we can all stand to burn a few extra calories this time of year!

It’s important not to overindulge your pets. Too many rich or fatty foods can lead to digestive issues or even pancreatitis, a serious condition that can require urgent veterinary care. Stick to pet-friendly treats and keep portion sizes small to ensure your pet has a healthy, happy holiday.

At Crossover Veterinary Clinic, we want you and your pets to have a wonderful Thanksgiving. By following these Thanksgiving pet safety tips, you can ensure that your furry friends stay safe, happy, and healthy throughout the holiday. 

If you have any questions about your pet’s care or need advice on how to keep your pet safe during the holidays, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team. 

Wishing you and your pets a happy and safe Thanksgiving from everyone at Crossover Veterinary Clinic in Fayetteville, Arkansas!