Thanksgiving is coming right up! The autumn holiday can be pretty hectic, with all the cooking, cleaning, and decorating. That opens up a lot of room for our animal companions to get into mischief. It’s important for pet owners to be aware of the potential hazards. An Emerson, NJ vet lists some of them in this article.

Food

There’s nothing wrong with giving your furry friend something special. Just take care to only offer safe foods. Plain, cooked meat, fish, or poultry is fine, as long as you remove the skin, bones, and fat. Many fruits and veggies, such as apples, bananas, blueberries, green beans, carrots, peas, and spinach, are also safe. However, don’t offer foods with seeds or pips, or anything topped with butter or spices. Some other unsafe options include garlic, onion, avocado, chocolate, grapes, and meat on the bone. Ask your vet for more information.

Decorations

It’s always best to keep your pet in mind when decorating, Anything small, sharp, or fragile is a potential hazard. Items with wires or cords are dangerous as well, as these can easily entangle playful pets. Keep candles well out of paws’ reach, and use grates before fireplaces.

General Mishaps

Pets often get underfoot when there’s food around. Fluffy and Fido may be very, very interested in supervising you as you prepare for the feast. You may need to keep them in a different area. Aside from that, just keep an eye on things. You don’t want your dog bowling your grandmother over at the door, or your kitty tripping you as you’re moving a hot pan of sauce or gravy off the stove. Pets are also at risk of having their paws or tails stepped on or caught in doors. (Tip: It may help to tire your furry pal out with play and exercise before guests arrive.)

Weather

It can get cold pretty fast at this time of year. Keep up with Fido and Fluffy’s grooming needs. Removing dead fur and dander from their coat will help them look and feel better. It will also help them stay warmer on those chilly nights. Your four-legged friend will also be both adorable and comfy in a cozy new bed.

Tips

Remember to relax and enjoy some quiet time with your furry buddy over the holiday weekend. Pets are definitely something we are grateful for!

Happy Thanksgiving from all of us here at Animal Care of Oradell. Please contact us, your Emerson, NJ pet hospital, anytime. We’re happy to help!