Experts offer tips for pets as Thanksgiving approaches

DELMARVA – For many people, Thanksgiving is a time spent with family, friends, and pets, and as tempting as it may be to include your furry companion in the feast, experts say you should be careful.

Dr. Marianne Bailey with the Queenstown Veterinary Hospital says that while it’s best to keep the meal away from your cats or dogs, there are a few things that are okay to share. She says pieces of plain white meat turkey, plain steamed green beans, and mashed potatoes without butter or gravy should be fine to feel your pet.

Dr. Bailey says one of the most commonly missed for dangers for pets this time of year is unbaked yeast rolls.

“If you make your own and you’re waiting for them to rise and they’re not cooked yet and dogs eat those, the yeast is gonna expand in the stomach and make them so sick.”

Other desserts, especially pies and anything containing chocolate, should also be kept out of reach.

Additionally, the changes in normal routine around the holiday can be disruptive for your furry friends. Whether you’re traveling or hosting, Dr. Bailey says there are a few things you should keep in mind. Always having a quiet place for your cat or dog to hang out if they need to get away is very important.

“I would go so far as to say offer to bring a crate or something to keep them in if your pet is overstimulated and needs some time, or ask if there’s a room your pet can go if there’s a lot going on and they just need a little bit of chill time.”

You should also try to stick to your pets’ normal routine as much as possible. This includes walks, meals, and access to litter boxes.

Dr. Bailey’s last piece of advice is to make sure they have identification on them in the event they get out amidst the hustle and bustle.