Thanksgiving brings family, friends, and plenty of food to the table — but it can also create unexpected challenges for pets. From tempting treats to bustling gatherings, the holiday can be stressful and, even unsafe, for animals.
Dr. Lori Teller, a clinical professor at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, offers pet safety tips to help owners keep their animals relaxed, healthy, and happy during celebrations from Thanksgiving through the New Year.
Calm Pets, Happy Guests Whether you host a traditional Thanksgiving or a Friendsgiving, the holidays mean that your home may fill with faces that are unfamiliar to your pets. As such, when guests arrive, it’s important to remember to introduce pets to your visitors on the pet’s terms. “Some animals are very eager to meet guests and will willingly approach them, but owners may need to help calm an overly excited dog to keep it from jumping on someone, especially if it’s a small kid or a frailer guest,” Teller explained. “On the other hand, pets that are more cautious around people they don’t know will need to be approached slowly.”