In the weeks leading up to Thanksgiving, take the time to think how you can keep your pets safe and calm amid the excitement. Plan ahead for any long journeys and any long periods away from home.
Consider how your pets will react to new faces and know exactly what your four-legged friends can and should not eat. Here is our guide to the do’s and don’ts of holiday food, travel and entertaining.
11/14/2017
It’s tempting to indulge our pets at Thanksgiving, but the best thing to do is to keep them on their regular diet. You can give them small pieces of well-chosen treats, but there are foods that should definitely be avoided.
1. Don’t let them be greedy. Overeating can lead to diarrhoea and other stomach problems.
2. Well-cooked, boneless pieces of turkey are fine in small amounts, but your pets should not be given any parts that are underdone and don’t feed your dog any turkey bones. Instead, buy them a bone or a specific dog chew to keep them occupied.
3. Say no to bread dough. The yeast will chemically create carbon dioxide and alcohol in your pet’s stomach which can be potentially life threatening.
4. Stuffing, corn on the cob, candied yams or fat trimmings (including turkey skin) should be avoided. Keep them away from any batter used for desserts and cakes. Raw eggs, just like undercooked turkey, can cause salmonella poisoning.
For more information on foods to avoid click here.
Here’s the good news. Your pooch can still enjoy being a part of the celebration. Sweet potatoes, a few green beans or plain pumpkin can be mixed with their regular food. Why not give them pet friendly Thanksgiving treats, either bought from the store or home-made?
Prepare for sneaky pets stealing food while you are not looking. Make sure that the food is cleared away quickly and that they are kept out of the kitchen while the food is being prepared. Distract them with a pet friendly treat.
At Thanksgiving more of us travel – on the road, by train, in the air. Whether or not you decide to bring your pet with you, you need to plan ahead.
Travel is stressful for pets and may not be suitable for senior pets or young puppies. You should contact your vet to check. If leaving your pet behind, they should not be left alone. Make suitable arrangements for them to be looked after (by a friend, sitter or boarding facility).
If you decide to take your pet on the road, follow these steps to ensure their safety:
1. Update your pet’s id tags and microchip information. They will be in many unfamiliar places while you are away.
2. Take medical records with you in case of an emergency, especially if your pet has a pre-existing condition.
3. Dogs should not roam free in cars. It’s dangerous for you and them and can cause an accident. Use a crate, harness or barrier to keep them contained and safe. If you are buying it new for the journey, leave it out for a few days for them to smell and get used to it.
4. Reduce the risk of sickness and give them their food and supplements no less than 6 hours before you leave and water no less than 2 hours. On a long journey, stop every couple hours to allow your dog to exercise and have a drink. Take a few treats with you in the car.
5. Do not leave them unattended. If you must leave them alone in the care, make sure it is not too cold or hot outside and leave the windows open an inch.
6. Remember there are more us on the roads, so journeys may take longer. Plan for this. Bring all the supplies that you will need. Food, medication and supplements. Order your Glucosamine and Omega 3 Fish Oil online from us today.
As a guest in someone else’s home, you must ask permission before you bring your pooch. It may not be welcome for practical reasons.
When you a hosting Thanksgiving, it’s a good idea to keep your pets’ routine as normal as possible over the holiday period. Their food, their beds and their walks. When there will be lots of strangers around, you might want to put your pet in a comfortable room, away from the festivities.
If your pet will be around the guests, have some treats to hand as a distraction for your four-legged friend and to reward their good behavior. It is also a good idea to lay some ground rules for your visitors. Make it clear that they should not feed your pet food from the table. Ask them to be careful when opening doors, especially if your pet is a known escape artist. Finally, make sure any children are supervised around your pet.
Know your pet, have a plan and give your pet a stress-free and safe holiday. Happy Thanksgiving to you all from everyone at Tango Champ.