Thanksgiving Etiquette for Dog Parents

Thanksgiving is a time to give thanks and celebrate with family and friends. But if you have pets, there are some things you need to be aware of to make sure everyone has a safe and fun holiday. Here are some tips on how to keep your pet safe this Thanksgiving.

Avoid Giving Them Table Scraps

We all know how tempting it is to give our pups a little taste of what we're eating. However, many common Thanksgiving foods can be dangerous for pets. Onion, garlic, and other spices for example can cause gastrointestinal upset or anemia in dogs. Fatty foods can cause pancreatitis, which is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition. 

While it's best to avoid feeding your pup table scraps, with a few modifications, dogs can still enjoy some of our Thanksgiving feast. Here's a quick list of Thanksgiving foods that are safe to give your doggo, as well as the ones to avoid. As a reminder, moderation is key, so opt to feed in small quantities as you don't want to overindulge your pup with unfamiliar foods. A good rule of thumb is to introduce no more than 2 types of new foods at the time. Also, be sure to remove all seasonings, sauces and fats before you feed them.

If your dog is a picky eater, stick to their regular food and treats and save the people food for the people.

Safe Thanksgiving Foods

  • Turkey: Remove the skin, fatty parts and bones and make sure it's thoroughly cooked.
  • Green Beans: A great source of fiber and vitamins A, C and K.
  • Carrots: Packed with beta-carotene, fiber, vitamins A, B6, C and K.
  • Pumpkin: Good for digestion and full of fiber.
  • Mashed Potatoes: Just make sure there's no garlic, onion, or butter.
  • Applesauce: A good source of fiber and vitamins A and C. Make sure you serve it unsweetened.

Avoid These Foods

  • Onion: Contains thiosulphate, which can cause anemia in dogs.
  • Garlic: Can also cause anemia or gastrointestinal upset.
  • Grapes and Raisins: Can cause kidney failure in dogs.
  • Fatty foods: Can cause pancreatitis in dogs.
  • Spicy foods: Can cause gastrointestinal upset or, in extreme cases, anaphylactic shock.
  • Nuts: Can cause gastrointestinal upset or blockages.
  • Chocolate: Contains theobromine, which is toxic to dogs.

Give Them Something to Do

Pets can get bored and restless during all the holiday commotion, so make sure they have a safe place to go where they can escape the hustle and bustle if they need to. A quiet room with their bed, toys, and water bowl is ideal. You may also want to consider crating your pet if they tend to be nervous around new people or activity. This will help them feel secure and avoid any accidents if someone leaves a door open.

Be Careful in The Kitchen

The kitchen is full of hazards for curious pets. Dogs can easily be stepped on or trampled underfoot, and they can also get burned by hot liquids or food. So, keep them out of the kitchen while you're cooking, and make sure to put away all the food and clean up any spills right away.

A Time to Be Thankful

Thanksgiving is a time to spend with your loved ones and that includes our four-legged ones. So, remember to be thankful for them as dogs bring many benefits into our lives. Here are just a few of the reasons to be thankful for them:

  • Dogs provide us with companionship.
  • They help us stay active and improve our mental and physical health. It's been scientifically proven that dogs can make us happier and healthier.
  • They teach us responsibility.
  • They provide us with security.
  • They help us make new friends.

The Bottom Line

By following these simple tips, you can help ensure that your Thanksgiving is safe fun for everyone, including your four-legged friend. Havea safe and Happy Thanksgiving!

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