While pet care and safety is important throughout the year, the holiday season poses extra hazards.
Because many owners consider their pets family members, there’s a tendency to lavish them with gifts and food, especially at Thanksgiving. Keep your furry friends away from these dangerous hazards and toxic foods to ensure a truly happy holiday.
Don’t Kiss Your Dog Under the Mistletoe
Not that you would consider it, but mistletoe is highly toxic to pets. To be on the safe side, keep mistletoe out of the reach of dogs and cats, especially the little berries, says Dr. Barbara Royal, DVM.
Choose Their Holiday Feast Wisely
Want to make up a special Thanksgiving plate for your beloved pooch? It’s easy and appropriate. But Dr. Royal cautions owners to avoid carbohydrates for dogs, so leave out the stuffing. “It’s not what their bodies expect and leads to obesity. In fact, carbs can negatively affect their ability to fight disease,” she says.
Your pet’s Thanksgiving plate can include:
- Turkey
- Sweet potato
- Mashed potato—but no skin
- Greens, including peas, Brussels sprouts and lettuce
Avoid or eliminate these foods:
- Raisins
- Grapes
- Onions
- Garlic
- Avocado
- Macadamia nuts
- Corn on the cob
Keep These Hazards Out of Reach
“Remember that dogs are scavengers and are always hunting for the next bite,” Dr. Royal says. “Owners tend to lose common sense about who they are and where they come from.”
For example, be extra careful about placing presents under the tree. One might contain chocolate and you could wake up to a mess and a very sick pet.
Some other hidden dangers are:
- Tinsel (considered the worst and most dangerous if ingested)
- Plastic hanging decorations
- Poinsettias and, of course, mistletoe
- Electrical cords if your pet is a known chewer
- The garbage receptacle (tie bags tightly and discard immediately)
Gift Your Pet from Local Shops
Chain pet stores are prolific and convenient, but they may not be the best places to buy gifts for your pets. Dr. Royal recommends shopping at locally owned pet shops that want to keep your business and are knowledgeable about how and where their products are produced.
“Always avoid pet products made in China,” Dr. Royal cautions. “They don’t adhere to any regulatory rules and the potential dangers are many.” Good advice to insure that your entire family—furry and otherwise—has a happy holiday season.
Need gift ideas for your pet? Check out our 2013 Gift Guide.
