Thanksgiving Dog Care Tips
It’s hard to believe that Thanksgiving is just around the corner. This is such a special day in the lives of most Americans because it’s a time to spend with family and friends and reflect on the blessings of the year and usher in the holiday season. There is much to think about as we prepare for this day, for example, meal preparations, travel arrangements or preparing our home to receive guests who may be joining us for the holiday. Whatever your plans may be for this time of year, whether it’s traveling or staying closer to home, it’s important to remember our four-legged family members and make sure that they are safe and cared for during the holiday weekend.
Here are some tips that we think will be helpful for you as you prepare.
Making travel arrangements for your dog
If you plan to travel during the Thanksgiving holiday, be sure and make arrangements for your dog or dogs well in advance of your travel time. If you plan to board your pet during the holiday, it is a good idea to book your reservation as soon as possible so that you ensure the facility has a spot for your dog. Here at Dogtopia of Birmingham, we offer convenient online reservations for boarding your pet. Reservations for holiday weeks require a deposit and we suggest that you book as early as possible.
If you plan to travel with your pet, there are a few things to consider in advance. First, make sure that pets are welcome at your final destination. If you plan to stay in a hotel while away, make sure that you book your reservations at pet-friendly hotels. If air travel is involved, make sure that your pet is suited to travel and that you are equipped with the proper crate or traveling vessel for your pet. Also, make sure that all of your pet’s identification is current as well as their health certificate and rabies vaccination.
If you are choosing to board your pets, make sure to make arrangements in advance as many facilities will fill quickly during the holidays. You will also want to make sure that your pet’s vaccinations and health requirements are up to date.
Hosting guests while your dog is home
If you plan to have guests staying with you during the holiday, make sure that they are comfortable with your dog. If your dog is a “door-dasher” keep them in another room while guests are coming in and out and getting settled in their accommodations. You may want to check and make sure that your guest is not allergic to dogs. If they are, then it’s a good idea to board your dog while your guests are visiting. Again, if you feel it’s best to board your dog while your guests are visiting, then make your boarding arrangements well in advance.
Feeding your Pet at Thanksgiving
During this special time of year, it’s always a temptation to give our pets some extra treats as we enjoy some of our favorite holiday food. Just remember, while some human food is safe for pets, other foods that we enjoy can be toxic to our pets. Here is a list of foods to avoid and foods that are safe to feed your pet this Thanksgiving.
Safe Foods
- Turkey is fine to give pets, just make sure that there are no bones.
- Mashed potatoes are also safe for pets but avoid the extras such as cheese, garlic, onions and gravies.
- Cranberry sauce is safe for pets but just a small amount since some can be loaded with sugar.
- Green beans are very healthy for pets but only if they are plain; avoid giving them green beans that are part of a green bean casserole.
Foods to Avoid
- Chocolate is very bad for pets so make sure all chocolate treats are well out of their reach.
- Xylitol is a sweetener that is used in many foods and is safe for human consumption but very toxic for pets.
- Grapes and raisins are both very toxic for dogs leading to kidney failure.
- Avoid all foods with alliums such as onions, garlic, leeks and scallions.
We hope you have found these tips helpful and wish all of you and your pets a very Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at Dogtopia of Birmingham.
