As we approach the holidays, there’s so much to be thankful for. And many of us are so thankful for our dogs and cats staying by our side through thick and thin – an unconditional love like no other!

 

To keep the holidays happy and healthy, Best Friends Animal Society has released a list of safety precautions for our pets:

 

Say No to Table Scraps: Too much rich, fatty food or simply new, unfamiliar foods can upset a pet’s stomach—and even cause pancreatitis, which can be life-threatening. Pet owners and their guests should go easy on the table scraps no matter how your pooch is a master of puppy eyes.  

 

No Bones About it: Poultry bones can break up or splinter in a pet’s stomach and be deadly, so dogs and cats should never be allowed to gnaw on them. Instead, bones should be discarded in a closed trash can immediately. Additionally, food-flavored items like plastic wrap, string, mesh or even a pop-up timer can smell tempting to curious pets and can cause injury to their stomachs if stolen and ingested, so make sure to toss them into the trash as soon as possible.  

 

Cats and Dogs Deserve Safe Treats, Too: Chocolate desserts often wash down a delicious dinner for us humans, but pet parents should remember chocolate is toxic for dogs and should be kept out of reach. Other common food items that can be poisonous to dogs include onions, raisins and grapes, which may be included in Thanksgiving staples such as stuffing, green bean casserole and more. To make your pet’s holiday meal special, there are many great recipes online for homemade dog and cat treats that are fun to make and healthy for your pet

 

If Guests Don’t Follow the Rules – Put ‘Em in the Doghouse: It’s a good idea to review your household pet safety rules with any guests, since well-meaning holiday visitors might not know the potential harm caused by slipping treats under the table. Instead, offer them the chance to hand out tasty pet treats or a fun toy.

 

In Bentonville, Best Friends runs a Lifesaving Center, is opening a Pet Resource Center early 2023, and leads the NWA PAW coalition. To learn more, visit: bestfriends.org/nwa.

 

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