To ensure a safe time for all, please, please, please practice these 5 Thanksgiving Pet Safety Tips, and sign up for a Pet First Aid Class. As hard as we try to keep our dogs and cats safe, life sometimes gets in the way, so I am here to teach pet parents what to do should the worst happen, and also teach them how to prevent pet emergencies from happening in the first place.
Pet First Aid training teaches humans how to manage choking, upset tummy, poisoning, seizures, insect stings and hot & cold injuries BEFORE veterinary care is available. Pets are part of the family, and 9 out of 10 dogs and cats will experience an emergency at some point in their life, so don’t delay, sign up here. There are also classes to keep your birds, rabbits & pocket pets safe!
With Thanksgiving upon us, the chances for ingestion of pet-UNfriendly foods and choking incidents, multiplies, so it is important to remind pet parents to remain alert before, during and after all celebrations…
- Make time for special time spent together. Although the hustle bustle time of year is upon us, stick to your pet’s normal routine and take time to be in the moment furry family members. Do not miss walk or playtime as exercise makes for a tired dog or cat who will settle while you need to accomplish other tasks.
- Keep dangers out of paws & claws reach. Anything on the floor is fair game, and that includes toothpicks from hors d’oeuvres! Designate a place to deposit bones, foils, and plastic wraps that tempt pets and use battery operated candles.
- Treat appropriately. Small bites of white-meat turkey are okay for both dogs and cats provided they are fully cooked. Dark meat, skin, gristle, and gravy are NOT pet safe and neither are bones!
- Even good foods may have hidden ingredients to beware of. Sweet potatoes and pumpkin puree (without sugar, marshmallows, raisins, or nuts), cooked carrots and green beans (no salt or butter) are good choices to share but no stuffing with sage which contains essential oils that may cause central nervous system issues in pets. Raisins also are a definite PAWS OFF, so take care with breads and foods they may be hiding in!
- Count your blessings during this season of thanks. Animals give us so much love and joy. They are our teachers, our friends, they inspire us to do better and listen to our troubles without ever judging. Show your gratitude by keeping them safe and healthy all year long and be grateful that a four-legged friend has chosen to share his life with you!
