Thanksgiving is just a few weeks off! We are definitely thankful for our canine friends. Fido is not only cute, fun, and lovable, he’s also super loyal! Here, an Eau Claire, WI vet offers tips on spending Thanksgiving with your pup.
Food
Fido will definitely take notice when those delicious dishes start coming out of the oven! Your cute pet deserves a special snack, but be careful: many holiday foods are toxic to pups. Plain, cooked turkey without the skin, bones, or fat is fine. Your pooch can also have a little bit of bacon or sausage, though you’ll want to limit these fatty treats. Never give your pooch anything that contains garlic, onions, scallions, or chives; chocolate; caffeine; grapes, currants, or raisins; alcohol; or xylitol. Meat on the bone is also dangerous, as are raw dough, meat, and yeast.
Decorations
Our canine buddies are both playful and curious. Unfortunately, they don’t necessarily have a good grasp of the concept of safety. Keep any decorations your pooch may be tempted to eat, such as garlands, fragile objects, and anything small or sharp, out of paws’ reach.
Guests
Are you hosting Thanksgiving this year? Ask guests not to feed or discipline your furry friend. If your visitors are staying overnight, you may also want to have them keep the guest room door closed. That way, you won’t have to worry about Fido eating their shoes or sleeping on their bed.
Candles/Flames
Be sure to put candles and potpourri burners in spots your canine pal can’t reach. You don’t want Fido knocking a candle over with his tail!
Energy
Before your visitors arrive, take your pooch for a long walk, and then indulge him with a fun play session. This will help him burn off any excess energy he has. Afterwards, he’ll be calmer, and better behaved.
Trash
Man’s Best Friend is quite opportunistic, and he isn’t above snatching leftovers off plates or taking them out of the trash. Use garbage cans with secure lids, and put leftovers away as soon as everyone has finished eating.
Preparing Your Pup
You want your guests to be greeted by a clean, fresh-smelling pooch! Before the big day, give Fido a good bath, and clip his claws.
Happy thanksgiving! Please contact us if ever we can be of assistance. As your Eau Claire, WI vet clinic, we are always happy to help!
