Thanksgiving is just days away, and while you\u00a0likely\u00a0have\u00a0all the ingredients\u00a0for\u00a0a delicious Thanksgiving dinner,\u00a0your dog\u2019s health and safety may not have crossed your mind. From precautions\u00a0to take, food to avoid giving them, and food\u00a0they can\u00a0happily\u00a0enjoy, here are our doggie safety tips so you can enjoy a fun, food-filled Thanksgiving.<\/p>\n
\nBefore Guests Arrive<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>
\n<\/h3>\nYour dog’s environment is about to be full of new smells and unfamiliar faces, which, depending on your dog, may have them jumping for joy or put them on edge.\u00a0<\/span>If\u00a0you\u2019re\u00a0hosting Thanksgiving at your home, there are several safety measures you should\u00a0take before the big day.\u00a0<\/p>\n Where will your dog stay?<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>Does your dog get anxious around large groups of people or are they an attention hog?\u00a0It\u2019s\u00a0important to\u00a0establish\u00a0if your dog will be joining you and your family in the home, or if you plan to\u00a0seclude\u00a0them to a room or a\u00a0portion\u00a0of the house.\u00a0Either way, make sure your dog has their own space to relax and drink water.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nTell guests you have a dog.\u00a0<\/strong>If\u00a0you\u00a0have new guests, let them know you have a dog in the home in case they are allergic or afraid of\u00a0dogs. Encourage your guests to keep an eye on their plates and drinks, since your\u00a0pup\u00a0will\u00a0likely be\u00a0sniffing around for leftovers, and always make sure guests close outside doors to avoid your dog escaping.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nMake sure your dog’s collar is on.<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>With guests coming in and out of your front door,\u00a0there\u2019s\u00a0a chance your dog could slip out while no one is noticing and go for a run around the\u00a0block. Be sure your\u00a0pup\u00a0has their collar on with your current contact information in case they get lost. If you haven’t already, we highly encourage you to talk to your veterinarian about microchipping\u00a0your dog!\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\nFood That is Toxic for Dogs<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>
\n<\/h3>\n![\"Food](\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0508\/4767\/8644\/files\/food2_1024x1024.png?v=1636413854\")
<\/div>\nMost dogs love Thanksgiving, and we mean LOVE. Why? For the table scraps of course! A lot of pet parents (and their guests) are guilty of giving the\u00a0dog\u00a0the leftover food from their plate, and while this may seem generous, it can also be dangerous. Some food may have ingredients that are toxic for dogs that can cause\u00a0upset stomach or even a trip to the vet\u2019s office. Here are some\u00a0common\u00a0foods and ingredients to avoid giving your dog:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nOnions and Garlic:<\/strong>\u00a0While humans love this herb and veggie duo, onion and garlic can cause<\/a><\/span>\u00a0gastrointestinal irritation and could lead to red blood cell damage and anemia for our pets.<\/a> While cats are more susceptible, dogs are also at risk if a large enough amount is consumed.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\u00a0<\/p>\n
Grapes and Raisins:\u00a0<\/strong><\/span>These cheeseboard favorites can cause vomiting, lethargy, and kidney failure<\/a> in dogs. It\u2019s still unknown why grapes and raisins are toxic for our canine friends, making it even more important that they avoid them.\u00a0<\/p>\n\u00a0<\/p>\n
Fat Trimmings:<\/strong>\u00a0The throw-away pieces of meat are throw-away for a reason. While it may be tempting to treat your dog to some meat fat, excess fat trimmings can cause pancreatitis in dogs.<\/a><\/span><\/p>\nChocolate, Coffee, and Caffeine:<\/b>\u00a0Also known as The 3 C’s. Most pet parents have heard that chocolate is deadly for dogs, but why? Well, chocolate, coffee, and caffeine all\u00a0contain\u00a0substances called Methylxanthines, which are found in cacao seeds and the nuts of an extract used in some sodas. According to the ASPCA,\u00a0Methylxanthines can cause vomiting, diarrhea, excessive thirst, urination, hyperactivity, abnormal heart rhythm, tremors, seizures, and even death in pets. <\/a><\/span><\/p>\nNote:<\/em> Dark chocolate is more dangerous than milk chocolate. White chocolate has the lowest level of Methylxanthines, while baking chocolate\u00a0contains\u00a0the highest.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\u00a0<\/p>\n
Macadamia Nuts:<\/strong>\u00a0Macadamia nuts can cause weakness, depression, vomiting,\u00a0tremors, and hyperthermia in dogs.<\/a>\u00a0Signs usually appear within 12 hours of ingestion and can last\u00a0approximately 24\u00a0to\u00a048 hours.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nXylitol:<\/strong> Xylitol is commonly used as a sweetener in many products, including gum, candy, and baked\u00a0goods. It can cause insulin release in most pets, which can lead to liver failure. Signs include vomiting,\u00a0lethargy, loss of coordination, and even seizures.<\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nAlcohol:<\/strong>\u00a0It’s vital that you and your guests keep your alcoholic beverages out of reach of your pets.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>Alcohol can cause vomiting, diarrhea, central nervous system depression, difficulty breathing, and even death<\/a> in dogs.\u00a0<\/p>\n\u00a0<\/p>\n
If you suspect your dog has ingested any of these foods or substances (especially alcohol), contact your veterinarian immediately or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center<\/a>\u00a0at (888) 426-4435.<\/p>\n\u00a0<\/p>\n
Do Not Give Your Dog Leftover Bones!<\/span><\/h3>\nAfter the turkey and other meats have been carved, it could be tempting to give your dog the\u00a0leftover\u00a0bones for them to chew on, but this is a big no-no!\u00a0<\/span>Bones from poultry are going to be thin and easily breakable, which can cause choking, cut your dog\u2019s mouth and throat, and may even result in intestinal damage.\u00a0<\/p>\nYou should never give your dog a bone that was not properly cooked or processed by a pet product company.\u00a0<\/span>Our collection of Redbarn Bones<\/a> are baked and tested to ensure the safest quality possible for your dog.<\/span><\/p>\nNote:<\/em>\u00a0<\/span>Pork bones are less durable than beef bones, and not recommended for strong chewers.\u00a0<\/p>\nFood Your Dog Can\u00a0Enjoy<\/span><\/h3>\n![\"Collage](\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0508\/4767\/8644\/files\/safefood2_1024x1024.png?v=1636414002\")
<\/div>\nWhile there are several Thanksgiving foods your dog should avoid, there are also plenty safe for them to eat when properly prepared. It’s Thanksgiving, after all, and who are you more thankful for than your furry best friend? Here are some tasty foods your can prepare for them:<\/span><\/p>\nSweet Potatoes:<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>Sweet potatoes are a rich source of vitamins A, C, B6, potassium, calcium, and iron, just to name a few! Be sure to cut the skin and cooked them thoroughly<\/a>\u00a0before serving to your pup. Learn more from our blog\u00a0The Benefits of Sweet Potatoes for Dogs.<\/a>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\u00a0<\/p>\n
Turkey:<\/strong> Turkey is\u00a0a great\u00a0source\u00a0of protein for dogs but it\u2019s\u00a0important\u00a0to\u00a0ensure\u00a0your dog\u00a0doesn\u2019t\u00a0ingest any of the toxic ingredients (like garlic and onion) when consuming it.\u00a0It\u2019s\u00a0also\u00a0a good idea\u00a0to cut off the skin to avoid excess fat and seasonings that could cause stomach upset.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nPumpkin: <\/strong>Not only is pumpkin safe for your dog, but it’s\u00a0great for their digestive system too!\u00a0<\/span>Pumpkin contains vitamins like A, C, and E, as well as minerals like iron and potassium.<\/a>\u00a0It’s recommended to feed your dog either fresh pumpkin or plain, canned pumpkin, and be sure to avoid canned pumpkin with added sugars, seasonings, and artificial flavors and colors. It’s so good, we even include pumpkin in our Dry Dog Food<\/a> recipes!\u00a0<\/p>\nCarrots:<\/strong> Carrots not only\u00a0provide\u00a0a\u00a0delicious\u00a0crunch, but\u00a0they\u00a0are also a rich source of vitamin A, beta-carotene, and fiber.\u00a0Learn how to prepare them for your pup on our blog,\u00a0The Top 5 Reasons to Include Carrots in Your Dog\u2019s Diet.<\/a>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nApples: <\/strong>Cutting\u00a0apples for an apple pie? Give a couple of slices to your dog!\u00a0Wash your apples thoroughly and be sure not to feed your dog the apple core or seeds, since apple seeds contain\u00a0cyanide<\/a> that can harm both humans and dogs.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
Where will your dog stay?<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>Does your dog get anxious around large groups of people or are they an attention hog?\u00a0It\u2019s\u00a0important to\u00a0establish\u00a0if your dog will be joining you and your family in the home, or if you plan to\u00a0seclude\u00a0them to a room or a\u00a0portion\u00a0of the house.\u00a0Either way, make sure your dog has their own space to relax and drink water.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Tell guests you have a dog.\u00a0<\/strong>If\u00a0you\u00a0have new guests, let them know you have a dog in the home in case they are allergic or afraid of\u00a0dogs. Encourage your guests to keep an eye on their plates and drinks, since your\u00a0pup\u00a0will\u00a0likely be\u00a0sniffing around for leftovers, and always make sure guests close outside doors to avoid your dog escaping.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Make sure your dog’s collar is on.<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>With guests coming in and out of your front door,\u00a0there\u2019s\u00a0a chance your dog could slip out while no one is noticing and go for a run around the\u00a0block. Be sure your\u00a0pup\u00a0has their collar on with your current contact information in case they get lost. If you haven’t already, we highly encourage you to talk to your veterinarian about microchipping\u00a0your dog!\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Most dogs love Thanksgiving, and we mean LOVE. Why? For the table scraps of course! A lot of pet parents (and their guests) are guilty of giving the\u00a0dog\u00a0the leftover food from their plate, and while this may seem generous, it can also be dangerous. Some food may have ingredients that are toxic for dogs that can cause\u00a0upset stomach or even a trip to the vet\u2019s office. Here are some\u00a0common\u00a0foods and ingredients to avoid giving your dog:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Onions and Garlic:<\/strong>\u00a0While humans love this herb and veggie duo, onion and garlic can cause<\/a><\/span>\u00a0gastrointestinal irritation and could lead to red blood cell damage and anemia for our pets.<\/a> While cats are more susceptible, dogs are also at risk if a large enough amount is consumed.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Grapes and Raisins:\u00a0<\/strong><\/span>These cheeseboard favorites can cause vomiting, lethargy, and kidney failure<\/a> in dogs. It\u2019s still unknown why grapes and raisins are toxic for our canine friends, making it even more important that they avoid them.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Fat Trimmings:<\/strong>\u00a0The throw-away pieces of meat are throw-away for a reason. While it may be tempting to treat your dog to some meat fat, excess fat trimmings can cause pancreatitis in dogs.<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n Chocolate, Coffee, and Caffeine:<\/b>\u00a0Also known as The 3 C’s. Most pet parents have heard that chocolate is deadly for dogs, but why? Well, chocolate, coffee, and caffeine all\u00a0contain\u00a0substances called Methylxanthines, which are found in cacao seeds and the nuts of an extract used in some sodas. According to the ASPCA,\u00a0Methylxanthines can cause vomiting, diarrhea, excessive thirst, urination, hyperactivity, abnormal heart rhythm, tremors, seizures, and even death in pets. <\/a><\/span><\/p>\n Note:<\/em> Dark chocolate is more dangerous than milk chocolate. White chocolate has the lowest level of Methylxanthines, while baking chocolate\u00a0contains\u00a0the highest.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Macadamia Nuts:<\/strong>\u00a0Macadamia nuts can cause weakness, depression, vomiting,\u00a0tremors, and hyperthermia in dogs.<\/a>\u00a0Signs usually appear within 12 hours of ingestion and can last\u00a0approximately 24\u00a0to\u00a048 hours.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Xylitol:<\/strong> Xylitol is commonly used as a sweetener in many products, including gum, candy, and baked\u00a0goods. It can cause insulin release in most pets, which can lead to liver failure. Signs include vomiting,\u00a0lethargy, loss of coordination, and even seizures.<\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Alcohol:<\/strong>\u00a0It’s vital that you and your guests keep your alcoholic beverages out of reach of your pets.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>Alcohol can cause vomiting, diarrhea, central nervous system depression, difficulty breathing, and even death<\/a> in dogs.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n If you suspect your dog has ingested any of these foods or substances (especially alcohol), contact your veterinarian immediately or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center<\/a>\u00a0at (888) 426-4435.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n After the turkey and other meats have been carved, it could be tempting to give your dog the\u00a0leftover\u00a0bones for them to chew on, but this is a big no-no!\u00a0<\/span>Bones from poultry are going to be thin and easily breakable, which can cause choking, cut your dog\u2019s mouth and throat, and may even result in intestinal damage.\u00a0<\/p>\n You should never give your dog a bone that was not properly cooked or processed by a pet product company.\u00a0<\/span>Our collection of Redbarn Bones<\/a> are baked and tested to ensure the safest quality possible for your dog.<\/span><\/p>\n Note:<\/em>\u00a0<\/span>Pork bones are less durable than beef bones, and not recommended for strong chewers.\u00a0<\/p>\n While there are several Thanksgiving foods your dog should avoid, there are also plenty safe for them to eat when properly prepared. It’s Thanksgiving, after all, and who are you more thankful for than your furry best friend? Here are some tasty foods your can prepare for them:<\/span><\/p>\n Sweet Potatoes:<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>Sweet potatoes are a rich source of vitamins A, C, B6, potassium, calcium, and iron, just to name a few! Be sure to cut the skin and cooked them thoroughly<\/a>\u00a0before serving to your pup. Learn more from our blog\u00a0The Benefits of Sweet Potatoes for Dogs.<\/a>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Turkey:<\/strong> Turkey is\u00a0a great\u00a0source\u00a0of protein for dogs but it\u2019s\u00a0important\u00a0to\u00a0ensure\u00a0your dog\u00a0doesn\u2019t\u00a0ingest any of the toxic ingredients (like garlic and onion) when consuming it.\u00a0It\u2019s\u00a0also\u00a0a good idea\u00a0to cut off the skin to avoid excess fat and seasonings that could cause stomach upset.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Pumpkin: <\/strong>Not only is pumpkin safe for your dog, but it’s\u00a0great for their digestive system too!\u00a0<\/span>Pumpkin contains vitamins like A, C, and E, as well as minerals like iron and potassium.<\/a>\u00a0It’s recommended to feed your dog either fresh pumpkin or plain, canned pumpkin, and be sure to avoid canned pumpkin with added sugars, seasonings, and artificial flavors and colors. It’s so good, we even include pumpkin in our Dry Dog Food<\/a> recipes!\u00a0<\/p>\n Carrots:<\/strong> Carrots not only\u00a0provide\u00a0a\u00a0delicious\u00a0crunch, but\u00a0they\u00a0are also a rich source of vitamin A, beta-carotene, and fiber.\u00a0Learn how to prepare them for your pup on our blog,\u00a0The Top 5 Reasons to Include Carrots in Your Dog\u2019s Diet.<\/a>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Apples: <\/strong>Cutting\u00a0apples for an apple pie? Give a couple of slices to your dog!\u00a0Wash your apples thoroughly and be sure not to feed your dog the apple core or seeds, since apple seeds contain\u00a0cyanide<\/a> that can harm both humans and dogs.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\nFood That is Toxic for Dogs<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>
\n<\/h3>\n<\/div>\nDo Not Give Your Dog Leftover Bones!<\/span><\/h3>\n
Food Your Dog Can\u00a0Enjoy<\/span><\/h3>\n
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