Turkey Treat
If you decide to feed your pet a little turkey, make sure it is boneless and well-cooked. Don’t give raw or undercooked turkey, which may contain salmonella bacteria.
Take Caution with Herbs
Sage can make stuffing yummy, but it as well as many other herbs contain essential oils. Those oils can cause gastrointestinal upset and central nervous system depression to pets if eaten in large quantities. Cats are especially sensitive to the effects of certain essential oils.
No Bread Dough
Don’t spoil your pet’s holiday by giving him raw bread dough. According to APSCA experts, when raw bread dough is ingested, an animal’s body heat causes the dough to rise in his stomach. As it expands, the pet may experience vomiting, severe abdominal pain, and bloating, which could become a life-threatening emergency, requiring surgery.
Make Special Treats
There are so many things that pets should not have at this festive time, make treats that they CAN have. Canned pumpkin, peanut butter, and more.
Too Much of a Good Thing
Giving your Pets a few bites of boneless cooked turkey, a small dollop of mashed potatoes or even a sliver of pumpkin shouldn’t pose a problem. However, please don’t overindulge your pets.
Kong Filled Feast
While the family is feasting, give your cat or dog their own little feast. Offer them Nylabones or made-for-pet chew bones. Or stuff their usual dinner-perhaps with a few added tidbits of turkey, vegetables (try sweet potato or green beans) and sprinkles of gravy- all inside a cat/dog Kong toy. They’ll be happily occupied for a while, working hard to extract their dinner from the toy.
No Bones
Make no bones about it!! Certain bones, especially cooked turkey bones, can lacerate or obstruct your pet’s insides. Save the bones for the broth.
Stay Away from some foods
Onions – Onions and onion powder, widely found in stuffing and used as a general seasoning, will destroy your dog or cat’s red blood cells, which can lead to anemia.
Grapes and Raisins – Grapes and raisins contain a toxin that can cause kidney damage to coth dogs and cats.
Chocolate – Chocolate can actually be fatal to your dog or cat, so all those sweets must be kept well out of reach.
Food Wrap
Aluminum Foil, Wax paper, and other food wrappings that have covered yummy food can cause intestinal obstruction.
Quiet Time
Make sure your pet has a quiet place to go, should the holiday festivities be too much for them. Watch behavior to make sure they are not stressed.
No Alcohol
Alcohol is definitely a big NO for pets. What we people may consider a small amount can be toxic for a smaller animal. Also, keep in mind that alcohol poisoning can occur in pets from atypical items like fruitcake.
Make Pet Sitting Reservations Early
If you need pet sitting, overnight care, or dog walking over the holidays – book your reservation in advance. This is the busiest time of the year for most businesses, including pet care businesses.
Have a Happy and Safe Thanksgiving!