The Basics Of Thanksgiving Pet Safety

Though the Thanksgiving feast might be the best part of your holiday weekend, it's important to know the basics of Thanksgiving pet safety. Here are some safe pet tips for your Thanksgiving.

Black and White Turkey Dinner: Image by Buncheduptv, Flickr 

Tire Him Out

While this tends to be easier if you own a dog, a pet who's been exercising all day long is far less likely to have a ton of energy during a feast than a pet who's been inside, lazing around all day. On Thanksgiving, when there's lots of food and potentially a lot of people, a tired pet is a good pet. 

Avoid Hazards

Guest should be made aware of the rules around pets, and know that they shouldn't be feeding your pets any scraps from the table. Some hazardous foods on Thanksgiving include:

•  Rich, fatty foods.
• Cooked bones.
• Baking strings.
• Candy, desserts, and sweets.
• Onions found in holiday stuffing and elsewhere.
• Grapes and raisins.
• Caffeine and alcohol.
• Chocolate.

Don't Feed Too Much

You Make Me Drool: Image by Beverly & Pack, Flickr

It's important to be extremely careful what you feed your pets on Thanksgiving, and what amounts. It's not necessarily healthy for a pet to feast with you on Thanksgiving, especially on the wrong foods.

Leftover's Aren't For Pets

Most Thanksgiving dinners have leftover food, and it may seem logical to give some leftovers to your pets, but that may not be the best idea. If pets do get some of the leftover's, it's important to only give it to them in moderation, and to only feed them lean foods that won't make them sick, such as skinless, boneless turkey.

Treat Him, But Don't Overdo It

 It wouldn't be a bad idea to treat your pet a little bit to prevent him from feeling left out, but without overdoing it. Stuffing a Kong with some dog food along with a little boneless, skinless turkey wouldn't be a bad idea for a dog. There's also the option of creating some fun, yummy Thanksgiving pet treats to give your pet a fun, yummy holiday as well.

Shy Pet?

If your pet is shy, doesn't do well in crowds, or if you don't trust Thanksgiving guests with your pet, it wouldn't hurt to designate a specific room for your pet to stay for the feast. Equip the room with some food and water, some toys, a nice bed, and perhaps a source of pleasant noise like soft music.

With these tips, your pets should be a little safer this Thanksgiving, Any tips not listed here you'd like to include? Feel free to tell us in the comments.

Thanksgiving Pet Safety Sources: Pet Wave, Dogster, Ark Animals

Also Read: 4 Tips for Choosing Healthy Pet Food