Keeping pets safe for Thanksgiving is all about staying a step ahead of wherever their nose takes them over the course of the day.
Whether you’re the cook, the guest or just here for the mulled wine, we can all do our part in letting our pets in on the fun without letting them in on too much fun.
In the Kitchen
While you’re scrambling hither and thither trying to manage lids, temperatures, timers and simmers, chances are your pets won’t be far behind. Our loving companions often enjoy joining in on the commotion and — while only with the best intentions — sitting themselves right where they shouldn’t.
Watch where you step. It’s simple advice, but critical advice for a holiday full of gargantuan hot plates. It’s easier than you think to trip over a tail or stutter-step around a snout, which could put you, your pet and your feast in danger.
Watch where they step, too. Thanksgiving drippings range from the sticky and inconvenient to genuinely hazardous to their health. If you dog or cat is unlucky enough to get caramel, gravy or any of the typical ooey-gooeys in their fur, don’t rely on them to take care of the bathing themselves. They may be dirtier or stickier than they even know, plus increased hair consumption could lead to constipation.
A few droppings are inevitable when you’re prepping a meal that big, so you’ll want to be extra mindful of what sorts of raw ingredients your pet gobbles up off the floor. In their raw forms, carrots, peas and most veggies should be fine and potentially even nutritious. Raw meat, however, could pose a risk of infection, illness or worse. And raw bread dough can be extremely dangerous, due to your pet’s stomach’s capacity to convert it into alcohol once it’s reached the digestion stage.
At the Table
When it comes to the feast itself, many pets may need a quick refresher on their table manners. No matter how well behaved a dog or cat typically is, that many delicious options (and just as many tantalizing aromas) could leave them thinking with their nose more than their brain.
Don’t forget their favorite distractions. Good training never stops, even if you’re dealing with an adult dog or cat. If it’s a chew toy, a Kong or even a healthy dose of catnip, have it all at the ready before you sit down to feast. You may want to consider what time you’re feeding them, as well, and scooching it up to make sure they’re sitting on a full stomach before the turkey makes its way out.
Desserts are off limits, unconditionally. Like the cooking experience, the dining experience lends itself to all sorts of scraps raining down from the table. Most of the dinner options won’t wreak havoc on your pet’s GI tract with just a nibble here or there. Don’t spend much time worrying about unseasoned cooked turkey, green beans, mashed potatoes or yams.
Desserts, however, are typically filled with all sorts of sugars, raw eggs and artificial sweeteners like xylitol that could cause some serious digestion issues — or worse, poisoning. Once the pies and cakes are on the table, make sure you’re taking extra precautions to make sure they never hit the floor.
Try an alternative. Our Thanksgiving-ready pumpkin treats are at the top of every dog’s dream menu. Quick, easy and sprinkled with gut-friendly ingredients, these treats are part distraction, part reward. For the dogs in your life that need a little extra incentive.
On the Couch
You’re stuffed. The game’s already on, and there’s a nap coming on. With a belly full of gravy and a sink full of dishes, pet safety is probably the last thing on your mind, but it’s important to keep your guard halfway up as the dust settles, knowing your pets probably won’t be taking the afternoon off the same way you are.
Mind the decorations. Hungry pets may not be so keen on distinguishing between healthy nuts and acorns — the latter of which could be toxic if ingested. If you’ve got flowers, pinecones or other decorative items festooning the home or still at rest as your centerpiece, stash them away before you get too cozy.
Flowers like the American holly and ivy are also poisonous to dogs and cats, but may not read that way to them at first sniff.
The Day After
Enjoy those leftovers, keep the antacids close and give your pets and yourself a pat. Another successful feast.
