Thanksgiving Safety Tips for Pets

Thanksgiving is right around the corner! While you’re making preparations for your holiday feasts and family gatherings, Rutland County Humane Society (RCHS) would like to offer some tips on how to make your holiday festivities as safe and enjoyable as possible for your pets as well! Thanksgiving is all about food, but not all people food is safe for pets. Keep their noses away from the mixing bowl while you get the pumpkin pie ready. Raw eggs can lead to food poisoning, and artificial sweeteners can also be harmful. Make sure to keep the leftover turkey away from your pet, too. Dogs and cats have difficulty processing fatty foods like turkey skin, and even small pieces of bone can lead to gastrointestinal injury. With company arriving, all the coming and going of family can be stressful for pets, and strangers may make them anxious. If your furry friend seems anxious, try putting them in a quiet room away from the action with a favorite toy, calming music and plenty of fresh water. Lastly, with holidays, comes travel, so if you’re bringing your pet along, make sure you are prepared. You should bring vaccination records and your pet should have an updated ID, any supplies/medications needed for travel and for the time you plan on being away from home. For more information, contact the RCHS Adoption Center at 802.483.6700.