New Traditions: Suggestions for Sharing Thanksgiving With Your Pet

Everything about Thanksgiving is tantalizing – for pets and people alike. That’s why it only makes sense to share Thanksgiving with your pet. Celebrating together is the best when you can both indulge in rich, buttery casseroles and toast all that you’re grateful for with a glass of hard cider.

Wait! That’s not right! In fact, this could place your pet in immediate danger. Fortunately, our team is here to help you design safe and happy Thanksgiving traditions that protect your pet’s health and wellness.

Communing With Nature

Perhaps one of the better ways to share Thanksgiving with your pet is to get out and get some exercise. Explore nature and take a lovely walk together or engage in a friendly game of football. Not only will the seasonal smells inspire your pet’s happiness, but all the fresh air and physical exertion will help keep your pet calm later on.

Another fun option when sharing Thanksgiving with your pet is to take a drive somewhere together. Enjoy the scenery, make some pit stops, and take your time on the back roads. Also don’t forget to take pictures together; you’ll be thankful later that you did!

Play’s the Thing

Mental workouts are just as important as physical ones. Create a DIY pet puzzle like one of these:

• Use cardboard cereal or snack boxes and hide favorite treats or single bites of kibble inside. Nest the boxes, placing smaller ones inside larger ones. Watch with glee as your pet figures out how to open the box and gobble down the reward. Remember to put the boxes away when the games is finished.
• Sharing Thanksgiving with your pet is made more fun with a simple muffin tin. Place the tin upside down on the floor. Place a treat or kibble bit in between the muffin cups. Your pet must use their paws or snout to edge the treat out before licking it up.

Thanksgiving With Your Pet at the Table

Many pets remain well-behaved while their favorite people sit down to eat a super indulgent, meaty feast. Others find this to be an insurmountable challenge. Enjoying Thanksgiving and your pet is easy when you consider the following:

• Offer your pet a plate at the same time you are eating. The plate can have the same things on it that you’re enjoying, but they must be a stripped down, basic version. For instance, instead of sweet potato casserole with brown sugar and marshmallows, your pet can have steamed, plain sweet potato. Steamed broccoli, green beans, carrots, and raw apple cubes can also be added.
• If your pet’s behavior doesn’t allow for this, trust that he or she can enjoy a festive plate in another room. Invite them back into the family fold when you’re confident of good behavior.

Remember, alcohol, fatty meat, rich dishes, and other toxic foods can be harmful to your pet. Please call us if you suspect a pet poisoning.

The Snooze Fest

Once your pet has spent some time outside, played a few games, and enjoyed a nice meal, they’ll be ready to chill out and snuggle with you. Savor every minute of sharing Thanksgiving with your pet!

Please give us a call if you have any questions or concerns. We hope you have fun making new memories together!