Thanksgiving Safety Tips from Helen Woodward Animal Center

Don’t let your Pooch Gobble the Turkey!

Don’t let your Kitty Quaff the Cranberry Juice!
 

Rancho Santa Fe, CA – You look around the table to make sure no one is watching….then you, sneak, “just a little bite” of turkey to a very happy dog or cat. Unfortunately five other people have already treated the pooch or kitty to a Thanksgiving snack and in an hour they’re going to be very sick pets.

Helen Woodward Animal Center (HWAC) is reminding pet owners that Thanksgiving can be uncomfortable or even dangerous for dogs and cats.

HWAC spokesman John Van Zante reminds pet owners, “It’s not enough to just tell your family not to feed the dog or cat under the table. Remind your guests to obey house rules. Good intentions may be harmful to your dog or cat.”

Van Zante says that rich foods like turkey or ham are hard for pets to digest and result in, “accidents.” In addition to the mess, it’s dangerous for the animals. “Most of us make sure our pets get proper nutrition. It’s not asking too much to have our Thanksgiving guests follow the house rules by not feeding our pets.”

In addition to rich foods like turkey or ham, Van Zante says that some foods from your Thanksgiving table could actually kill your pets. “Chocolate is one food that can be potentially fatal for a pet. Their systems are not made to process foods like that.” He says the same rule applies for pumpkin pie, candied yams and other sweets.

“One last thing….never under any circumstances give alcohol to your pets. It’s dangerous for them and they have no idea what they’re getting themselves into.”

For more information about pet safety during the holidays visit Helen Woodward Animal Center at 6461 El Apajo Road in Rancho Santa Fe or call 858-756-4117, option #1.

The Adoption kennels at Helen Woodward Animal Center will be closed on Thanksgiving day but open regular hours (11 am – 6 pm) the rest of the week. For more information about adopting a dog or cat during the, “Iams Home 4 the Holidays” pet adoption drive visit the animal shelter or rescue group nearest you or log on to www.home4theholidays.com.