Nov 09, 2023
The holiday season is officially here and it’s time for Thanksgiving. It is a special time of the year that is dedicated to friends, family and lots of lip-smacking food. We’re sure that you can’t wait to enjoy turkey, mashed potatoes and pumpkin pie. However, you shouldn’t overlook the special needs of your furry friends amidst all the enjoyment. According to reports, Thanksgiving Day witnesses the highest number of emergency vet visits every year.
Here is a comprehensive guide on your dog’s care that will help you ensure that your pets have a safe and happy Thanksgiving.
It is always best to be cautious while offering Thanksgiving food to your dog. Whatever you offer, should be in moderate quantity so that your pets do not fall ill. Below are some Thanksgiving foods for dogs that you can safely offer to your furry companion.
You will be relieved to know that the star of Thanksgiving dinner is actually safe for your dog to eat. However, the turkey should be uncooked and unseasoned. If your dog is not used to eating turkey, you can offer it in small, bite-sized pieces for safety.
Cranberries are good for dogs. They contain vitamin C, manganese, vitamin k1 and vitamin E. However, do not offer cranberry sauce to yourdog as they contain a lot of added sugar.
You can also offer your dog a small portion of sweet potatoes. It is high in fiber which helps the GI system function better. It is also rich in potassium, iron, calcium and vitamin A, B6, C.
Green Beans are served on a Thanksgiving table either with some spices or inside of a casserole.
A pumpkin pie is undoubtedly the best part of a Thanksgiving meal. However, you should never offer your dog sugar-filled pumpkin pie as it can be quite harmful to your canine friend.
You can safely offer small servings of corn to your dog. But make sure to not feed it any of the corn casseroles that you have prepared for your guests.
Apples are generally included in several Thanksgiving dishes and desserts. Provide a small piece of the fruit. Just make sure to eliminate the stem, core and seeds and they can choke your companion.
Below are a few food items that are toxic for your dog and shouldn’t ever be a part of their Thanksgiving diet.
Turkey skin, bones and drippings are not good for your dog’s health. Bones can lead to choking.
Sage is not harmful for all dogs. However, there are certain dogs that can’t tolerate this herb.
Garlic and onion are considered toxic for dogs. They can lead to hemolytic anemia and liver damage.
A common ingredient in traditional fall and winter foods, Nutmeg can be toxic for your dog. It can cause tremors, seizures, vomiting and even death of your beloved companion.
While most mushrooms are non-toxic to dogs, there are certain types of mushrooms that can lead to neurologic signs, kidney and liver failure and sometimes death of the animal.
Butter makes everything taste better. However, its high fat content makes it toxic for dogs. High amounts of fatty food can cause vomiting, diarrhea and pancreatitis.
If you are hosting a Thanksgiving party at your home and having your friends over, you should take a few safety measures beforehand. This will be beneficial for your dog as well as your guests and help them avoid uncomfortable situations.
Some dogs get anxious around new people while there are others that enjoy being around people. Depending on your dog’s nature, you will have to plan whether to have them join your party or seclude them in a room. Irrespective of where your dog is, ensure that they are safe, relaxed and have enough water to drink.
It is likely that certain guests are afraid of or allergic to dogs. That is why you should inform your guests that you have a dog at home. Also, ask them to keep an eye on their plates and drinks since your dog will look for leftovers.
While your guests are coming in from the front door, there’s a chance that your dog will escape while no one is looking. Make sure that it has its collar on with your contact information as it will be helpful in case it gets lost.
Including your dogs in your Thanksgiving is always a good option as it is a great way to show them how thankful you are to be their parents. Follow our tips and you will be able to arrange the best Thanksgiving for your furry babies.
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