7 Dog Dangers To Watch For This Thanksgiving

Dogs are the most popular household pet, but they can be exposed to significant dangers when the holiday season arrives. Learn how to keep your dog safe on Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Whether you’re planning to host a family dinner or a casual get-together, you must first and foremost keep your dog safe. From barking and chewing to running away and getting lost, dogs are exposed to dangers during Thanksgiving.  Here is what you need to know about some common holiday risks that they may encounter.

Foods That Are Not Safe For Dogs

I think we can all agree that dogs love food!  My dog is an expert ‘food-stealer’ and will go to great lengths to grab something off of a high counter.  Unfortunately, dogs don’t know what foods will harm them and which ones won’t.  It’s up to us to make sure they are safe.  The following list of foods are NOT okay to give your dog. If your dog eats these foods it could end up causing a trip to the veterinarian or worse.

• Chocolate
• Bones (cooked)
• Pistachios, Almonds, and Macadamia Nuts
• Cinnamon, Nutmeg and Salt
• Grapes and Raisins
• Fatty Foods
• Onions and Garlic

Click here to see a list of 46 foods that are toxic to dogs.

Lit Candles Can Be Dangerous

Candles are a beautiful part of the holiday season.  They add ambience, warmth and pleasant scents to any environment, don’t they?  Dogs (and cats, for that matter) won’t think twice, however, about their tails when it comes to lit candles and that can spell disaster.  Keep the candles out of reach of both your cats AND your dogs.

Less Supervision = Less Safe

With all the excitement of the holidays (people coming and going, cooking, cleaning, wrapping, ect.) your dog is bound to be less supervised than normal.  They can get into things without your awareness, and this can be a problem.  When you don’t have the time to supervise your dog try leaving them in a dog-safe environment.

Alcohol Is Not Safe

Alcoholic beverages are toxic to pets.  If you are drinking during the holidays (or your guests) be sure to watch your dog around the alcohol.

Dogs That Feel Stressed May Bite

Dogs may get overly stimulated and anxious with all of the heightened energy that happens around the holidays.  We all know that our dogs are creatures of habit so consider that their routines will be disrupted during Thanksgiving. This stress level can build up in a dog and this can end up with a bite from an otherwise laid-back dog.  If you notice your dog is getting more and more agitated, put them in a quiet area for awhile and pay attention to how they are feeling.

Dogs May Escape In The Commotion

There is usually much more activity around the holidays.  Visits from friends and family are common during this season.  If people are coming over to your house this Thanksgiving, be sure that when the door is opening and closing that your dog (or cat) doesn’t escape unnoticed.  Make sure your dog is wearing a collar with identification and is microchipped should the unthinkable happen.

Dogs Feel More Stress

Even though Thanksgiving is a wonderful holiday it still causes stress for all of us.  This includes your dog.  Provide your dog with regular breaks from the holiday festivities.  Have a special room just for him that’s quiet (or has some soft music playing) and has everything this he’ll need to be comfortable and away from the celebration.  Include a nice warm bed, some chew toys and fresh water.  This will lessen the stress (and increase the joy) that the holidays bring. Click here for more tips on how you can be appreciative of the pets in your life.

Thanksgiving is not just about food and fun for us humans, it is also an opportunity to express gratitude to those who will be by our side no matter what: our dogs. Let’s keep our loyal friends safe and happy this (and every) Thanksgiving by considering these 7 things we can all guard against.