Are you hosting Thanksgiving this year? Your canine buddy will be paying close attention when that delicious food comes out of the oven! However, not everyone loves dogs as much as we do. Read on as a Crown Point, IN vet offers some advice on helping things go smoothly between your pet and your guests.
Guest Room
If your company is staying over, you may want to advise them to keep the guest room closed. This can prevent awkward mishaps, such as Fido chewing their shoes or sleeping on their bed.
Fur Busting
Part of your preparations will likely entail making your home as cozy and welcoming as possible. That means getting rid of pet fur and doggy odors. Before your company arrives, thoroughly vacuum and dust your home, and change your air filters. You can use a squeegee or a rubber dish glove to get pet fur off your sofa. This is also a good time for you to wash Fido’s bedding.
Allergies
If you know or suspect that your guests have allergies, take a few extra steps to help keep them comfortable. Set out boxes of tissues, and stock up on over-the-counter allergy meds.
Petiquette
Does your canine pal have a habit of jumping on people? Keep Fido crated or in a quiet back room as people are coming or going. You may also want to keep your pup in another room during dinner, especially if he is prone to begging.
Grooming
Help your furry friend put his best paw forward by giving him a good bath before your company arrives. Your guests will be greeted by a clean, fresh-smelling pooch!
Food/Treats
It’s fine to give Fido a special treat, but make sure he doesn’t eat something that isn’t safe for him. Some dangerous foods include garlic, onions, scallions, and chives; mushrooms; chocolate; alcohol; caffeine; meat on the bone; raw meat, dough, or yeast; grapes, currants, and raisins; pitted fruits; and anything containing xylitol. Ask your guests not to feed your pooch. If you’re having small children over, you’ll want to be extra careful. Youngsters often try to ‘share’ with their furry friends, and may not know what is and isn’t safe for your canine pal.
Happy Thanksgiving! Please contact us, your local Crown Point, IN vet clinic, for all of your pet’s veterinary care needs. We are here to help!
