How to Keep Your Dogs Safe During the Thanksgiving Season

How to Keep Your Dogs Safe During the Thanksgiving Season

How to Keep Your Pet Safe During the Thanksgiving Season:

1. Think twice when tossing the turkey.
Be mindful when tossing the turkey carcass into the garbage, as it will be tempting to your dog. A carcass is full of many little bones that can cause a choking hazard, so instead, immediately remove the carcass from the home when you are done with it. Take it outside to the trash can so it is not inviting to your dog to explore. Along with being a choking hazard cooked bones can splinter and break in your dogs mouth cutting them or scraping the inside of their mouth, esophagus, and stomach.

2. Use battery operated votives.
Candles offer lovely ambiance during the warm and cozy Thanksgiving season, but when you have dogs they may not be the best choice. When dogs becomes excited they can easily knock one over and pose a fire hazard especially when you are not going to be in the room with the lit candles. Instead, opt for the realistic battery operated votives or plug-in scent filled waxes instead.

3. Be cautious of your décor.
Twinkle lights, crystal, and other fancy and fragile décor items look great during the holidays, but can invite dogs to come and explore. If broken these items can harm your dog (and create quite a mess!) so do both of you a favor and choose décor items that are not glass, fragile, or easily breakable. You will also want to think about placement of decorations. If you have a big dog with a powerful tail don’t place decorations in areas that could easily be knocked over by accident.

4. Put up the chocolate.
The holidays and chocolate treats go hand in hand. Be mindful of where you set treats that may be dropped off by neighbors and friends. You don’t want your dog to get into anything that may pose a poison risk. Even wrapped chocolate will tempt your dog to investigate and the plastic wrapper is no match for your dog’s powerful teeth.

5. Take out the trash.
During the holidays all sorts of leftovers are getting tossed into the garbage. This year, move your waste basket to the garage or set it outside so that your dog is not tempted to explore and find something he shouldn’t. As a family you might be very careful not to put food in the trash but uncle Joe or great aunt Clarice don’t know you compost. Don’t tempt fate. After a party or meal with extended family or friends take out the garbage.

These simple steps are all you need to do to ensure a safe Thanksgiving for your dog. By keeping these tips in mind you can have a Thanksgiving season you can all enjoy.