prevent pet emergencies this Thanksgiving

Holidays are hectic enough with family, friends, and food. Taking these steps will help keep your furry friend safe around all the activity and avoid a trip to the emergency vet.

1.  Keep pets away from the kitchen

If you’re cooking up a feast this holiday, keep those paws out of the kitchen. After all, no one wants to find pet hair in their food! It’s also the best policy to avoid a pet emergency.

During Thanksgiving, the kitchen is often a high-traffic zone. From getting under your feet to counter surfing, four-legged friends should stay far out of the way. Avoid burns, spills, and other contact injuries for your pets (and you) by keeping them out of the cooking area.

Don’t be tempted to let your furry friend clean up spills. It can seem like a good idea, until they get sick...and those messes are even worse when your pet doesn’t feel well.

2.  Set your pet up for success

Before the festivities get underway, take care of your pet first. Make sure your dog or cat is well exercised. By burning off energy, they’re more likely to behave better and be less anxious. Pets with pent-up energy can get into more mischief, which could lead to a trip to the emergency vet. Even though the holiday might throw off their routine, a little extra exercise and playtime can help the day feel special for them too.

If your dog or cat easily gets anxious or overwhelmed, talk to your vet about a calming aid to help them through the holiday. A vet can explain the options and guide you on what’s best for the age and breed of your furry friend. Make an appointment to learn about options for pet anxiety.

3.  Create a safe space for pets

Between craziness in the kitchen and guests wandering the house, there can be a little too much stimulation for dogs and cats. Here are options to help them stay out of trouble and avoid a pet emergency.

• Create a safe, quiet space for them in a separate room or with a crate. This keeps them out of harm’s way and from getting underfoot or eating food they shouldn’t.
• Put up baby gates to keep them in safer zones of the house. This still lets family and friends visit safely from the other side of the gate.
• Put dogs on a leash with a designated person to keep them well behaved and out of the way, even when they’re inside. 

4.  Minimize temptation

Everyone looks forward to a good meal on Thanksgiving, but dogs and cats should stick to their regular diet. Feeding them from your plate can lead to tummy issues or even a trip to the emergency vet.  

• The sights and smells of a special meal can be a little too tempting for even the most well-behaved dogs. That’s why it’s important to keep areas clean and food secure. Keep foil and other debris with food remnants and crumbs picked up. Make sure all bits of food get into the trash — and that the trash is secure enough that your pet can’t sneak in for a nibble.
• Talk to your guests about rules and expectations around food and your dog or cat. Also make sure to warn them if your pet has a food allergy or a certain behavior to watch out for, like sneaking food from plates. Let them know which food is off limits and which treats are OK to feed your pet and how much. (Stick to treats specifically made for your pet’s breed, and not too many!)
• Take precautions to keep food temptations away from table edges. Excited pets can jump up and do some harm to your dinner, their belly, and the whole holiday. 

Curious about which Thanksgiving foods are safe and which to avoid? Read on!

Looking for a way to include your dog or cat on Thanksgiving Day?

Pumpkin treats are a safe bet for pets. There are many options at your local pet store, but you can also make them at home! Check out this recipe for vet-approved pumpkin treats for dogs and cats.

How Banfield can help pets around the holidays or any time of year 

While Banfield Pet Hospital locations are not open on Thanksgiving Day, your pets can get year-round preventive care with an Optimum Wellness Plan. With exam fees included and 24/7 Pet Chat™, you can reach out to a veterinary professional anytime. Whether your furry friend stole some pumpkin pie or you want to explore ways to keep your pet calm around any kind of festivities, you have professional advice when you need it. Find the plan that’s right for you.