It’s Thanksgiving week and for many of us, that means traveling to visit family and friends, hosting a holiday party in your home, or just spending time with the dog. Whatever you’re up to this week, we hope these tips will help make it an enjoyable one for both you and your pup.
Food Safety
It’s important to remember that dogs can eat many of the same foods as humans. However, there are some items you’ll want to steer clear of when giving your dog some of your Thanksgiving feast. These include:
Grapes & Raisins – they contain an unknown toxin that causes kidney failure for dogs.
Onions – some onions contain a substance that destroys red blood cells, which can cause vomiting and diarrhea for dogs. In large amounts, it could even be lethal.
Chocolate – chocolate contains theobromine which is toxic for dogs. The darker chocolate you eat, the more dangerous it can be as there are higher concentrations of caffeine in dark chocolates. In small amounts, this could lead to vomiting or diarrhea, but in larger amounts, it can be more harmful.
Fatty Foods – the fats may cause pancreatitis which is incredibly painful for your dog and if left untreated could be fatal.
Bones – bones from cooked animals are another commonly dangerous item for dogs. Cooked bones, even small ones like turkey or chicken bones can be dangerous for your dog. They could get lodged in their throat and cause choking, block the intestines, or damage their stomach.
Precautions for Holiday Parties
When you’re hosting a Thanksgiving party for your friends and family, it’s important to keep your dog out of the kitchen while party guests are eating. It will help avoid any potential accidents and prevent them from snacking on something they shouldn’t be. Don’t forget that dogs can be just as interested in Thanksgiving leftovers as humans are. You’ll want to make sure they don’t try to eat the turkey carcass or any bones.
If there are lots of people at your party, you’ll also need to be aware that dogs can get overwhelmed when around large groups of people all at once. If your dog is sensitive to this issue, you may want to consider using a boarding service during your party or event.
Cleaning Up After Dinner
When it’s time to clean up after dinner you’ll want to make sure you prevent your pup from eating any leftovers. This includes the turkey carcass, bones, and anything else that may be left. Leftover food will not only make them sick but can also be a choking hazard. If this happens to your dog then get in touch with an Animal Hospital immediately.
General Tips
Here are some general tips to help make sure everyone has a safe and happy Thanksgiving including your dog:
Be aware of your dog’s body language – If you notice that they seem frightened or anxious then it might help to keep them from getting overwhelmed by taking them to a quiet space.
Keep dogs calm – If you know that there are going to be loud noises or people visiting, keep them on their bed or in a separate room with some favorite toys and objects.
Keep dogs on a leash – If you’re in an unfamiliar place with lots of people and loud noises, it may be best to have your pup on a leash so that they don’t get overwhelmed by all the new sights and sounds.
Keep dogs away from food – This can cause them to become very sick if they ingest something that is bad for them. It’s just not worth the risk. If you’re hosting a gathering at your home, make sure that all of your food is in places that are out of reach.
Happy Thanksgiving from Berkshire Dogs Unleashed
Thanksgiving is a time to come together with family and friends. But it also brings challenges, including more food temptations for you and your pup during the festivities. We hope this article helps keep your dog safe by being mindful of what they eat as well as precautions for hosting a party in your home so that everyone can have an enjoyable day. With these helpful tools at hand, we hope that both you and your furry friend will enjoy this holiday week. From our family to yours, we hope that you have a safe and happy Thanksgiving!