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Thanksgiving is about gathering with loved ones,
sharing good food, and enjoying the celebrations. The smell of turkey, exciting
games, and the Macy’s parade; all of these can be tempting for your dog. However,
as a responsible dog parent, it’s important to keep your canine friend safe
during the celebrations.
In this blog, we will share some simple tips to
help you protect your dog this holiday. We will cover everything you need to
know to ensure your dog has a happy and safe Thanksgiving.
Let’s start!
Thanksgiving
Dog Safety
Foods
to Avoid
It’s important to know which foods can be toxic for your dogs. Here are some harmful foods you should never give to your dogs:
Chocolates
Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, which
dogs can’t process well. These build up in their system, causing vomiting,
diarrhea, rapid heart rate, seizures, or even death.
Garlic
and onion
Garlic and onion, whether fresh, cooked, or
powdered, are toxic to dogs. They contain N-propyl disulfide, which damages red
blood cells, leading to anemia. Even small amounts can be harmful, so keep them
out of your dog’s diet.
Canned
Peas
Canned peas have high sodium, which can dehydrate
dogs and strain their kidneys. A few bites might not be harmful, but it’s best
to avoid feeding canned peas regularly and opt for fresh or frozen ones.
Cooked
bones
Bones can splinter into sharp fragments that can
cause choking, puncture the digestive tract, or lead to blockages. They can
also irritate a dog’s stomach which leads to diarrhea and irritable bowel
syndrome.
Bread
dough
Yeast of bread dough is toxic to dogs as it can
block the gastrointestinal tract. It can lead to low blood sugar, low body temperature,
breathing difficulties, and seizures.
Pet-Friendly
Decorations
Here are some decorative items that need to be
kept away from the reach of your dog:
Tinsel,
string, and Ribbon
Tinsels are dangerous for dogs. If they ingest it,
it can cut through their digestive tract. Strings of popcorn, cranberries, and
gift ribbons are also harmful if swollen, so it’s safer to avoid using them in Thanksgiving
decorations.
Electrical
Cords
Dogs may chew on the electrical cords used in the
decorations, leading to burns, seizures, or worse.
Heaters
and warming devices
Space heaters and heated blankets can cause
problems if dogs knock them over or get tangled up. Also, don’t use kerosene heaters indoors as
they can release carbon monoxide that is dangerous to both you and your dog.
Create
a Safe Space
It’s
important to provide your beloved dog with a safe and comfortable resting place
amidst all the noise of Thanksgiving. Here are some essential things to keep in
mind:
- Choose a quiet, low-traffic spot based on your dog’s personality, and consider administering anxiety-relieving products when needed to keep your dog calm.
- Set up with a comfy, washable bed and favorite toys.
- Secure electrical cords and remove toxic plants.
- Lock trash cans and eliminate choking hazards.
- Train using positive reinforcement and obedience commands
- Keep the space clean for comfort and hygiene.
Emergencies
Emergency can knock on the door anytime. So it’s important
to be prepared for it. Here are some emergency preparation tips:
- Have an evacuation plan for your dog.
- Microchip your dog and update your contact details, including an emergency contact.
- Store enough food and water in airtight containers.
- Prepare a first-aid kit.
- Ensure your dog has a collar, ID tag and backup leash.
- Keep copies of your dog’s key documents ready.
Closure
This Thanksgiving, let’s not forget about our
four-legged family member. As responsible dog parents, it’s important to ensure
their safety. By taking proactive measures to create a pet-safe environment, you
can ensure your dog is safe and happy.
Enjoy the Thanksgiving!
David joined CanadaVetCare in 2013 as a product analyst and veterinary assistant. Being a passionate pet lover and keen animal health researcher, David had always found ways and solutions to help pet parents to improve their pets’ health. He is always happy to answer pet health-related queries and recommending pet parents for the right pet product for their furry companions.
