The last thing anyone wants is to have to run their dog to the emergency vet on Thanksgiving Day!
It’s never fun to deal with an emergency with your dog, but it’s particularly unpleasant when it happens on Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving should be all about spending quality time with your family, watching football, remembering what you are grateful for in your life and, of course, stuffing yourself with all the turkey, mashed potatoes and pie you can eat. What Thanksgiving should not be about is sitting in the waiting room of an emergency veterinary clinic, but that is exactly where many dog owners end up. However, there are many things you can do to avoid this fate. Here is a list from our veterinarian in South Bellmore of a few tips to help you keep your dog safe this Thanksgiving:
#1. Make sure your guests are informed.
Your guests should not be surprised that you have a dog, so take a moment to make sure that they know that your dog is there. That way they will know to be careful when they come in to not leave it wide open. This is also a good time to tell them about anything specific to your dog, such as that your dog hates loud noises or will go nuts if they ring the doorbell.
#2. Get your dog’s tags and microchip up to date.
Even if you’ve warned your guests about your furry friend, with all of the hustle and bustle of the holidays, sometimes, accidents happen. If your dog does happen to get out some way or another, it’s essential that their microchip and/or tags are up to date with your contact information. Before the big day, take a moment to ensure that all of that information is up to date.
#3. If necessary, make alternative arrangements.
Most people will want their dog at home with them, but if your dog is particularly antsy around big groups of people, then it might be wise to make alternative arrangements. Consider boarding your dog or leaving them with a sitter who will be around and who you trust to care for them. This is, of course, an important step if you’ll be spending the holiday out of town, but even if you’ll be home and you’re just planning on having a big group over, it could make a huge difference.
#4. Supervise your dog around kids and other guests.
Stress and anxiety can affect dogs in many different ways. Even dogs who are normally calm and friendly can bite or otherwise act aggressively when they are stressed or anxious. Keep a close eye on your dog when they are interacting with your guests, particularly kids.
Don’t be one of those people stuck in the emergency veterinary clinic on Thanksgiving Day! These are just a few things you can do to ensure that your dog is safe for the holiday. Stay tuned to learn more, and if you have questions or concerns, please contact us.