Hey, pet lovers! Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and we’re sure you’re all excited to celebrate with your furry friends. Before you start cooking that turkey and baking those pies though, there are some things you need to know about preparing for Thanksgiving with pets. Here are some tips to make sure your pets have a safe and happy holiday.

Keep an Eye on Thanksgiving Dinner

Some foods that are delicious for us can be dangerous for our pets. Make sure you keep these foods out of reach of your pets and don’t feed th em any table scraps. If your pet does ingest something toxic, call your vet or the ASPCA’s 24-hour emergency Poison Control Center hotline at 1-888-426-4435 right away.

• Alcoholic beverages
• Apple seeds
• Apricot pits
• Avocados
• Cherry pits
• Candy (particularly chocolate—which is toxic to dogs, cats, and ferrets—and any candy containing the toxic sweetener Xylitol)
• Chives
• Coffee (grounds, beans, and chocolate-covered espresso beans)
• Garlic
• Grapes
• Gum (can cause blockages and sugar-free gums may contain the toxic sweetener Xylitol)
• Hops (used in home beer brewing)
• Macadamia Nuts
• Moldy foods
• Mushroom plants
• Mustard seeds
• Onions, onion powder and onion flakes
• Peach pits
• Potato leaves and stems (green parts)
• Raisins
• Rhubarb leaves
• Salt
• Tea (because it contains caffeine)
• Tomato leaves and stems (green parts)
• Turkey meat, skin, and bones
• Walnuts
• Xylitol (an artificial sweetener that is toxic to pets)
• Yeast dough

Provide a Quiet Space

Thanksgiving can be a stressful time for some pets, especially if you have a lot of guests over. Your pet may feel overwhelmed by the noise, the strangers, and the changes in their routine. To help them cope, provide them with a quiet space where they can retreat if they need to.

• Choose a quiet spot in your home that is away from loud noises, bright lights, and busy areas.
• Use a crate, a bed, a blanket, or a mat to make the space cozy and inviting.
• Provide some toys, treats, and water for your pet to enjoy.
• Add some calming scents, such as lavender, chamomile, or vanilla, to help your pet relax.
• Respect your pet’s boundaries and let them decide when they want to use their space.
• Teach children and guests to leave your pet alone when they are in their space.
• Reward your pet for using their space and show them that it is a positive and safe place.
• Play soothing music or sounds, such as classical music, nature sounds, or white noise, to help your pet feel calm and secure.

Be Careful With Decorations

Thanksgiving decorations can add some festive flair to your home, but they can also pose some hazards for your pets. Batteries in toys, greeting cards, electronic devices, flameless candles, and remote controls can cause serious injury if pets (or humans) swallow them. Internal burns can occur in a very short time. Candles, cords, and wires can cause burns, shocks, or choking if your pet chews on them. Pinecones, corn cobs, and nuts can cause intestinal blockages if swallowed. Be careful with decorative plants. We’ve listed some flowers and festive plants that can be toxic to pets below, but the safest route is to keep your pets away from all plants and table decorations. Make sure you keep these decorations out of reach of your pets or opt for pet-friendly alternatives.

 

• Liquid Potpourri in Oil Burners and Reed Diffusers
• Acorns from oak trees
• Amaryllis
• Autumn crocus
• Baby’s Breath
• Chrysanthemum (also known as mums)
• Decorative corn
• Hydrangeas
• Lilies
• Poinsettias
• Pumpkins
• Schlumbergera (Christmas cactus)
• Sweet William
• Some ferns
• Straw

 

Update Your Pet’s ID

With all the hustle and bustle of Thanksgiving, there’s a chance that your pet might slip out of the door or get lost. To prevent this from happening, make sure your pet is wearing a collar with an ID tag that has your current contact information. You can also microchip your pet for extra security. This way, if your pet does get lost, you have a better chance of being reunited with your furry family member. Here’s a checklist to help you remember all the things to check:

• Check to ensure that your pet’s tag is not scratched, faded, bent, or broken.
• Make sure that the text is legible and clear.
• Ensure that the tag is securely attached so that it does not fall off or get lost.
• Check your pet’s halter or collar to make sure that it is not worn and the clasp is not broken or damaged.
• Make sure that your contact information is accurate and up to date, especially if you recently moved, got a new phone number, or changed your email.

Have Fun!

Thanksgiving is a time to be grateful for all the good things in our lives, and our pets are definitely one of them! So don’t forget to show them some love and appreciation on this special day. You can play with them, cuddle with them, or give them a special treat (as long as it’s safe!) You can also take some cute photos of them in their Thanksgiving outfits or with their Thanksgiving toys. Just make sure you respect their boundaries and don’t force them to do anything they don’t want to do.

We here at Fur Services Fur Pets hope these tips help you and your pets have a wonderful Thanksgiving. Remember to enjoy the moment and cherish the memories you make with your furry family members. And, of course, if you can’t take your pet with you, we’d love to spend the holiday loving on them!

Happy Thanksgiving!