Thanksgiving isn’t far off, and if you have any pets in your home, veterinarians know a few important tips can help keep them healthy and safe over the holidays. If you’re hosting a family dinner at your house this year, odds are there will be a lot of food to go around, and you and your guests may be tempted to share some of the leftovers with the cat or dog. Before you do so, however, heed these tips from veterinary care experts.

3 Thanksgiving Pet Safety Tips

1. Watch The Table

Though you might think it’s entirely safe to feed your pet some scraps like turkey skin, this is actually a bad idea. Fatty foods can cause a condition called pancreatitis, which can be fatal for animals. As such, your vet would recommend limiting these human food treats and keeping an eye on the rest of your food to ensure your furry friend doesn’t try to steal some snacks.

2. Get Rid Of Trash Quickly

True, post-Thanksgiving cleanup can be a bit of a chore. However, if you want to keep your pet healthy, it’s a good idea to get rid of the trash as quickly as possible. Doing so will prevent them from getting into it while you’re not watching.

3. Plants Can Pose A Problem          

Decorating for the holidays is undoubtedly one of the best parts of the season, but certain festive plants can be toxic to pets. Always remember to elevate any decorative additions and keep them out of pets’ reach. The ASPCA has a useful list of toxic plants for every pet owner to watch out for this Thanksgiving.

Need a veterinarian who will gladly equip you with more pet safety tips? Take your animals to Florence Veterinary Hospital, serving families throughout the Boone County, KY, community. Visit them online to learn about becoming a new client or call (859) 371-6501.