Top 5 Ways to Keep Chicago Pets Safe This Thanksgiving

As we gather to celebrate Thanksgiving, it’s important to remember our floofins and ensure their safety during the festivities. Here are my top 5 ways to keep Chicago pets safe this Thanksgiving and into the holiday season.

Take a Pre-Festivities Walk Around Chicago

Before the cooking and celebrations begin, take your dog for a refreshing walk in one of Chicago’s beautiful parks or neighborhoods. We have some fun recommendations here.

While most businesses will be closed during the holiday, a brisk morning stroll along the Lakefront Trail or through Lincoln Park can help burn off excess energy and provide quality bonding time. This exercise will help your pet stay calm during the busy day ahead and reduce the likelihood of attention-seeking behaviors when guests arrive. Plus, it’s a good way to get you out of the kitchen and/or mentally prepare you for sometimes challenging family dynamics.

Create a Safe Haven

Some pets may feel overwhelmed with guests. Even if they know most of your guests, a sprinkling of new people or a large crowd can be unsettling for our pets who don’t know that Thanksgiving is a holiday during which we gather.

In preparation for guests, set up a quiet, comfortable space where your pet can retreat if they feel stressed. This could be a spare room or a cozy corner with their favorite bed, toys, and water bowl. Inform guests about this area and ask them to respect your pet’s need for space.

While essential oil diffusers may sound like a good idea, remember that only a few essential oils are safe around pets. Learn more here and prevent injury and illness by keeping diffusers and candles out of your pet’s safe space, especially if they will be unsupervised.

Control Meals and Snacks

Thanksgiving is all about food, but many holiday dishes can be harmful to pets. Keep your pet on their regular diet, and ask your guests to avoid sharing table scraps. Some dangerous foods include:

• Turkey bones, which can splinter and cause choking or internal injuries
• Fatty foods that may lead to pancreatitis
• Onions, garlic, grapes, and other ingredients toxic to pets
• Desserts containing chocolate or artificial sweeteners like xylitol

Instead, prepare a special pet-friendly Thanksgiving treat using safe ingredients like plain cooked turkey (without skin or bones), steamed green beans, or mashed sweet potatoes (without added sugar or butter). Maintain control over how much your pet eats during the festivities and control portion sizes to prevent stomach upset. A bit of turkey breast is likely fine, but a plate full is too much!

Here’s a full list of what’s safe and what isn’t.

Prevent Escapes

With guests coming and going, there’s an increased risk of pets slipping out unnoticed. Create barriers to prevent your pet from escaping when guests arrive and depart. Consider using baby gates or keeping your pet in a secure room during high-traffic times. Ensure your pet is wearing proper identification tags and that their microchip information is up-to-date in case they do get out.

Always communicate with your guests and let them know what pets live in the home. Most guests are more careful about coming and going when they know what’s at stake.

Supervise Guest Interactions

While socializing can be fun for pets, it’s crucial to monitor all interactions, especially with children and teenagers who may not be familiar with proper pet handling. Teach young guests how to approach and pet your animals safely, and always supervise these interactions. This prevents potential accidents and ensures a positive experience for both pets and humans.

If one of your guests does not understand how to properly interact with your floofins, put them away in their safe space. It’s always better to be safe than sorry. Nothing will put a damper on the festivities like a bite or scratch that “came out of nowhere,” wink, wink.

Here are some good guidelines to teach children that are new to being around pets.

Consider These Additional Thanksgiving Safety Tips

As a bonus, here are a few more important safety tips that will keep the whole family comfortable and safe this holiday season:

• Keep trash cans secure to prevent pets from accessing harmful food scraps or packaging.
• Be mindful of holiday decorations that could pose choking hazards or contain toxic materials.
• If traveling with your pet, ensure they are safely restrained in the car and bring along familiar items to keep them comfortable.
• Avoid bringing poinsettias and other potentially toxic plants into your home. If you receive one as a hostess gift, place it somewhere your pet cannot access it or leave it outside. While these plants are only harmful when ingested in large quantities, you may not be able to supervise while hosting and should, therefore, minimize risk by keeping them away from your pets.

By following these tips, you can create a safe and enjoyable Thanksgiving experience for your entire family, including your beloved pets. Remember, a little preparation goes a long way in preventing holiday mishaps and ensuring everyone has a happy, healthy celebration.

Giving Thanks for Floofins & Co.

As I reflect on our journey at Floofins & Co. since 2010, we want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to our incredible team and loyal clients. Your unwavering support and dedication have been instrumental in our growth and success over the years.

To our dedicated staff, thank you for your passion and commitment to providing exceptional care for every floofin that joins the Floofins & Co. family. Especially those of you working this holiday season, we could not provide the loving care and peace of mind we offer without your efforts.

And to our wonderful clients, we are truly grateful for the trust you place in us to care for your beloved floofins. Together, we have created a thriving community that celebrates the joy of pets, and we look forward to many more years of serving you and your floofins with love and excellence!

If you are new to Floofins & Co. and interested in our dog walking, pet sitting, dog training, or pet photography services, please fill out our contact form. Once received, we will be in touch to further discuss your interest. Please give us a call at 630-478-8915 or drop us a line at info@floofinsandco.com. We are happy to discuss our services from Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5 PM. Learn more about our in-home pet care new client on-boarding process here. If you are an existing client, please schedule services here.

We wish you and your floofins a wonderful Thanksgiving and holiday season!