How to Keep Your Dog Safe and Happy This Thanksgiving
The holiday season is upon us, and that means Thanksgiving is just around the corner! If you're like most people, your dog is probably a big part of your family, and you want to include them in all the holiday fun. But before you let them share in the feast, it's essential to know which Thanksgiving foods are safe for your furry friend to eat. The last thing you want is to give your beloved pet something that could cause harm to them. In this blog post, let's focus on thanksgiving foods you should and shouldn't give to your pets.
Thanksgiving Foods Your Dog Can't Eat This Holiday
Thanksgiving is a time to give thanks, share a meal with friends and family, and of course, indulge in some delicious food. But if you're planning on including your furry friend in the festivities, there are some things you'll need to avoid feeding them. Here are three foods to avoid feeding your dog this Thanksgiving:
Pumpkin Pie
Pumpkin pie may be a Thanksgiving staple, but it's not something you should share with your dog. Pumpkin pie filling is high in sugar and fat, which can be dangerous for dogs. Plus, the spices in pumpkin pie can upset your dog's stomach.
Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes are another Thanksgiving favorite, but they're not something you should share with your dog. Potatoes are high in carbohydrates, which can be difficult for dogs to digest. Plus, many mashed potato recipes include butter, cream, and other fatty ingredients that can be dangerous for dogs. If you want to give your dog a special treat this Thanksgiving, you can give them a dog biscuit from your local pet supplies store.
Turkey
Turkey is the star of the show on Thanksgiving, but it's not something you should share with your dog. In fact, turkey skin and bones can be dangerous for dogs, and the fat in turkeys can upset their stomach. Plus, many people add onions and garlic to their turkey, which can be toxic to dogs. If you want to give your dog a special treat this Thanksgiving, try making them a turkey dog biscuit instead.
Fat Trimmings
Fat trimmings are another Thanksgiving favorite, but they're not something you should share with your dog. Fat trimmings can be difficult for dogs to digest, and they can also cause pancreatitis. In general, stay away from anything too fatty or oily when giving food to your dogs. It's better to stick with something healthier or a favorite dog treat.
Cranberry Sauce
Most dogs love the sweet taste of cranberry sauce, and it's actually pretty healthy for them. Just be sure to avoid any that are sweetened with sugar or other sweeteners, as these can be harmful to your dog's health.
Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are a great source of fiber and vitamins for your pup and can help their GI system function better. However, sweet potato casseroles with marshmallows melted on top aren't good for them and should be avoided. While sweet potatoes aren't entirely toxic to dogs, eating too much of it can still be bad for them. Instead, give them a small portion (one-sixth of a potato) that they can munch on.
Corn
Corn is perfectly fine for your dog to eat. It's a great source of fiber and other nutrients and can help them feel fuller. Just make sure to avoid corn on the cob, as it can cause choking. Instead, give them a few kernels to eat. Cooked and unseasoned corn removed from the cob would be best for them. Don't give them any of that buttered corn, even if they go crazy just by smelling it.
Green Beans
Green beans are another tasty and healthy treat you can give to your dog. You can give it to them raw, canned, steamed, or even frozen. Just don't give them green beans that came straight from the casserole you or your guests cooked. It's probably seasoned with a lot of spices that could be bad for your companion. If you have any leftover beans you didn't cook, then you can throw a few pieces of them to your dog so they can enjoy a crunchy and healthy treat.
Keeping Your Dog Safe During the Holidays
The holidays are a time for family, friends, and fun. But if you're a pet owner, it's also important to be aware of the potential hazards that come along with the season. From toxic foods to busy crowds, there are plenty of things that can stress out or even harm your furry friend. By following these simple tips, you can help keep your pet safe and happy during the holiday season.
1. Keep an Eye on the Food: Make sure your pet doesn't get into any of the holiday food, as many of the items we eat can be toxic to them. Watch out for chocolate in particular, as it contains a chemical called theobromine, which can be harmful to dogs.
2. Avoid Crowded Places: With all the hustle and bustle of Thanksgiving preparations, it's easy for pets to get lost or injured in a crowd. Try to keep them away from busy areas if possible, and make sure they're always wearing ID tags just in case they do get lost.
3. Be Careful with Table Scraps: It's tempting to want to share our food with our dogs, but not all human food is safe for them to eat. Avoid giving them table scraps, as they may contain unhealthy fats, bones, or other ingredients that can be harmful to your dog.
4. Don’t Leave Your Dog Alone for Too Long: With all the hustle and bustle of the holidays, it's easy to forget about our furry friends. But it's important not to leave them alone for extended periods of time, as this can lead to boredom or anxiety. Make sure someone is checking on them regularly throughout the day, and give them plenty of attention when you're home, so they don't feel left out.
5. Keep an Eye on Your Dog’s Stress Levels: The holidays can be a stressful time for everyone, including our pets. Be aware of your dog's body language and look for signs of stress, such as panting, pacing, or hiding. If they seem to be getting overwhelmed, take a break from the festivities and give them some time to relax in a quiet room.
Conclusion
Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, and, of course, food. But it's also a time when our furry friends can get into mischief. Keep your dog safe and happy this Thanksgiving by following the tips above. And, most importantly, don't forget to give them a big turkey-day hug!
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