As a dog owner, you must be hyper aware of all the things that could harm your dog. During walks, you carefully watch that you dog doesn’t eat anything off the ground, and in your backyard, you use the best dog fence possible to keep your dog from getting lost. When holidays come around, there are even more things to be concerned about, but it’s common for people to overlook little hazards while they’re worried about all the details for their family gatherings. It’s important to recognize the dog dangers that present themselves around Thanksgiving. Here’s what to look for, as well as how to avoid potential accidents. This is not only important if you are the dog owner, it is also relevant for guests who interact with your dog and dog sitters who are either coming into your house or taking your pet home during the holidays.
Table Scraps
Many people consider Thanksgiving dinner to be the best meal of the year, and there’s no doubt that it smells just as good to your dog, too. However, sharing Thanksgiving dinner with your dog is not advisable, because it could lead to serious illness. Fatty foods, especially turkey skin, can cause pancreatitis in dogs. Turkey bones are also dangerous because they can make your dog choke or pierce their stomach, throat, or intestines. Chocolate, alcohol, and xylitol are toxic to dogs. Onions destroy dogs’ red blood cells. The best thing to do is to keep all table scraps out of your dog’s bowl; consider instead purchasing special dog treats for the holiday. After the meal, make sure all garbage is inside an outdoor trash bin that your dog can’t get to.
Kitchen Hazards
The kitchen is a dangerous place for a dog to be, especially when there’s as much activity going on as there is on Thanksgiving. People can be injured as well, especially if they trip over your dog. Sharp knives, hot ovens, boiling liquids, and other kitchen hazards can spell big trouble. Make sure your dog stays out of the kitchen by putting them in a closed room or their crate. If your dog is trained to use an invisible dog fence and e-collar, you can also consider using a wireless dog fence in the kitchen doorway. This is a good solution, too, because it won’t block anyone else’s path, like a baby gate or other barrier would.
Decorations
While decorating for Thanksgiving, carefully consider where you place edible decor such as pumpkins and corn stalks. Some dogs like to try and eat these items, and while they’re nontoxic, they can cause intestinal blockages if large pieces are ingested. If your dog likes to chew on wires, make sure any light up decorations have their electrical cords hidden or covered. One of the biggest dangers is lit candles, so make sure you place all flames in a spot where your dog won’t be able to accidentally knock into them. When you’re at a relative’s house with your dog, be on the lookout for potential dangers in their decor, as well, especially if they don’t have dogs of their own to consider while they’re decorating.
Traveling
Traveling by car with your dog can be an interesting experience for everyone, but your dog should not be allowed to freely roam inside the car. Dogs can prove to be big distractions for drivers, so keep your dog inside their crate, or always use a dog seatbelt, which will keep your dog safe, too. Pack an extra collar and leash, plenty of food and water, and a copy of your dog’s vaccination records, just in case. Also consider containment at your destination. If your dog is trained to use an electronic dog fence, consider bringing a portable electric dog fence with you so you can create a safe zone for them wherever you are. No matter what, make sure your dog is always wearing a collar with their identification tags and your current contact information.
Stress
While the holidays are fun, they can also be stressful, especially for our pets. Dogs in particular aren’t usually fond of lots of noise or activity, so you need to be aware of the signs they’ll exhibit if they’re stressed. Signs of stress in dogs include things like jumping, panting, growling, cowering, hiding, pacing, raised fur, running in circles, showing the whites of their eyes, and staring. If your dog seems to be stressed, take them to a quiet, darker room as soon as possible, and leave them to rest with plenty of water available. If your dog isn’t allowed to de-stress, they may become sick or aggressive. Ask your relatives to tell you if they notice any odd behavior, too.
While these are the most common ways dogs can be injured during Thanksgiving celebrations, these dangers do exist all year round. Keep these risks and precautions in the back of your mind, and you’ll be able to avoid most dog accidents, injuries, or illnesses. As always, keep your vet’s phone number handy, and give them a ring if you notice your dog acting strangely or if your dog is obviously hurt. Otherwise, be sure to enjoy yourself and the company of your loved ones at the holidays. Happy Thanksgiving!
These useful tips were written in partnership with Dog Fence DIY the industry leader in affordable dog containment solutions that tackle quality and cost in ways that make sense. If you need guidance in selecting your invisible dog fence solution consider visiting their resources page.
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