Thanksgiving for Pets

While your pets may be thankful for you, they may be confused by holiday happenings like visitors, travel, pet sitters and different foods. Remember, certain human foods, like onions and chocolate, can be toxic to your animal family. Cooked bones can be a choking hazard, too much sugar can be unhealthy, and being startled by exclamations over the football game or chased by the kids can send Fluffy running under the sofa or out the door.

If you're having guests over, make sure you set a safe space where your pet can go, and check to see what local veterinarians will be available in case of emergencies. It's also a good idea to set aside a small amount of the turkey or meat to give your dog or cat separately, or give them their own treat. Make sure they don't get into scraps you drop on the floor or into the garbage.


If you're traveling with your pet, make sure you make all the necessary preparations and reservations ahead of time. Confirm travel and immunization regulations with airlines and train lines. Make sure you have a proper carrier or buckle-harness for the car. Check with hotels on rules -- even pet-friendly lodging can require you supervise your pet at all times. Make sure bring you have plenty of water and a bowl, plus wipes to clean up with in case of accidents. Check with your vet beforehand to get any necessary motion sickness medications. And remember, it's always a good idea to get your pet micro-chipped in case of escape!

If you're going away and leaving your pets behind, make sure you get a reliable pet sitter to check in on your animals if you're going to be away more than a day or two. Leave a printed set of instructions for the care of your pets and make sure the sitter has the contact information for you, your veterinarian and the local emergency vet. If you can, have the sitter over to meet your pets ahead of time, make sure spare keys and alarm codes work, and practice giving any necessary medications. You may ask the sitter to let you know all is well every day or two, and urge them to call you with any issues or questions. Knowing your critters are safe can make the holiday much more enjoyable!

Last, but not least, how about talking with your pet before things get nutty? You can communicate with your pets via an animal communicator to let them know what's coming, reassure them, or check on them while you're gone. I would be happy to do it! You can even just have a chat with them, yourself. Even Catster recommends that just talking with your pet can relax them and help them understand more than you might think.

For more information, feel free to check these links to Catster's "10 Ways to Avoid Kitty Disasters on Turkey Day," PetMD's "Top Ten Tips for Feeding Pets Thanksgiving Leftovers," and the ASPCA's tips on car travel, air travel and Thanksgiving safety.

Here's wishing you and your family, whether two-legged or four, a happy and healthy Thanksgiving!