Keep pets safe during the busy holiday season
Los Angeles As you prepare to gather family and friends, Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Los Angeles (spcaLA) offers eight tips to ensure that everyone, including pets, has a happy and safe Thanksgiving.
- Microchip pets and make sure they are wearing a collar and I.D. tags with current information. This is important throughout the entire year, but especially during the holidays when there is a greater risk of your pet escaping due to increased visitors.
- Maintain your pets’ routines – like daily walks and meal times, as much as possible to reduce stress.
- Give your pets plenty of love and attention during the holidays so they don’t feel left out.
- Create a sanctuary for your pets in a separate room with their favorite toys, bedding, and blankets. Play soft music or white noise to help pets relax.
- Teach your pet to “come when called.” This command is extremely helpful if your dog gets loose. spcaLA offers a variety of training classesthroughout the year.
- Eliminate the urge to scavenge through the trash bin by securing leftover bones and bits in a tightly tied plastic bag. Dispose outside in the dumpster.
- Keep guests’ personal belongings, like handbags and shopping bags out of reach of curious pets.
- Remind well-meaning guests (both children and adults) not to give your pets anything except their normal treats. Others may not be aware of dangerous foods that seem like common knowledge to you.
Foods pets should avoid include chocolate, nuts, rich or fatty foods, bones, gravy, garlic, onions, chives, scallions, raisins, currants, grapes, candied yams/sweet potatoes, stuffing, sugary sides and desserts.Foods that may be okay for pets in small quantities (check with your veterinarian): lean turkey, cooked sweet potato, unseasoned green beans or carrots, plain/unseasoned mashed potatoes, squash or pumpkin. Another option is a canned meal made just for them. The spcaLA Marketplace has options for both dogs and cats.The spcaLA Pet Adoption Centers and the spcaLA Marketplace are closed Thursday and Friday for the holiday. Normal business hours resume Saturday, November 29th. Visit spcaLA.com/locations for directions and hours.