GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — As Michiganders finish last-minute Thanksgiving shopping and start working in the kitchen, the state has some pet safety reminders.
The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has some safety tips to make sure the time celebrating with food and loved ones doesn’t harm pets.
“When we include them in our festivities, we want to anticipate and meet their needs, so our pets won’t have any additional discomfort or stress,” State Veterinarian Dr. Nora Wineland said in a Wednesday release. “There are many precautions owners can take to keep their animals safe this Thanksgiving.”
While cooking up delicious foods for humans, it’s important to keep some foods away from animals. Even small amounts of fatty foods like turkey and gravy can cause pancreatitis, MDARD said. Some foods can be poisonous to pets, like chocolate, grapes, onions and foods containing artificial sweetener xylitol, while giving a pet bones can cause injury or illness.
Some Thanksgiving foods are OK to give a pet in a small amount, MDARD said. Cheese and unseasoned vegetables like green beans, pumpkin and sweet potatoes are safe as a treat.
Pet owners should keep hazards like the garbage can and holiday decorations out of reach of pets. Pets should also be wearing identification tags and have an up to date microchip, as it can be easy for a pet to sneak out during the hustle and bustle of Thanksgiving.
MDARD also recommends setting up a quiet space stocked with the pet’s food, water and other necessary items, like a litter box, where the pet can get away from people if it gets overstimulated.
Michigan is expected to see record-breaking travel this weekend. AAA expects nearly 2.3 million will hit the road, and the Gerald R. Ford International Airport expects to see 148,000 passengers over the holiday. Those traveling with a pet should talk to their vet to come up with a plan, MDARD says.