While the holiday signals a time to give thanks, neither you nor your pet will be grateful if you have to spend Thanksgiving Day at your local Emergency Animal Clinic. Friends of Animal Care & Control urges pet owners to keep these simple safety tips in mind.
Don’t feed your dog or cat poultry bones! Cooked turkey, duck, geese and other bird bones are brittle and can easily snap or splinter and become lodged in your pet’s throat. Additionally, sharp bone fragments can tear or block your pet’s intestines.
Vegetarian households beware! There are many non-meat items that can be harmful to pets. Sage and many other herbs contain essential oils, which are especially hazardous for cats. Onions, raw bread dough and chocolate are a few other popular holiday items that can be dangerous for pets.
Watch the table! Unsupervised food is tempting to curious cats and dogs. Not only can animals find food on the dinner table, they are also adept at seeking it out on kitchen counters. Ask your guests to keep dishes and alcoholic beverages off of low-lying tables and away from pets.
Keep leftovers and trash out of paws reach! The smell of table scraps could prove too much of a temptation for pets, so it’s best to remove garbage as soon as you are finished. Make sure all trash cans are secure and difficult to open.
Give pets a quiet retreat during busy festivities. The constant hustle and bustle of a Thanksgiving dinner may be too much stress for your pet to handle. Give your companion animal a retreat where he can escape the noise--a spare bedroom with a radio tuned to soft music and a comfy bed is a perfect spot for your dog or cat.
If you and your family are looking for a meaningful way to enjoy the holiday season, consider making a donation to Animal Care & Control’s Spay/Neuter Assistance Program. The program provides no-cost spay and neuter services to companion animals of Maricopa County residents in need of financial assistance. Last year the program received more than $1 million in funding from Friends of Animal Care & Control; however the demand for assistance remains high and more funding is needed to keep the program alive. Tax deductible donations can be made online at www.azfaccs.org.
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