Thanksgiving is a cherished holiday, filled with the warmth of family, the joy of friends, and of course, the delightful abundance of food. Like many, I eagerly anticipate this time of year, especially the chance to gather with loved ones. This year, our home will be bustling with family and friends traveling from near and far to share in our Thanksgiving feast. And when I say feast, I truly mean a grand spread!
In our family, the tradition of pies is taken very seriously, with at least three varieties gracing our dessert table each year. I recall one memorable Thanksgiving in 2019 when our pie count was slightly reduced, thanks to Bowie, my brother-in-law’s mischievous dog. Bowie, in a moment of culinary curiosity, decided to sample half a pumpkin pie right off the kitchen counter, before dinner even began! While Bowie and his family will be missed at our table this year, their pumpkin pie escapade remains a humorous Thanksgiving anecdote.
Beyond the food and festivities, Thanksgiving is, at its heart, a time for gratitude. Among the many things I’m thankful for is my wonderful little dog, Sueshi, who is such a beloved member of our family. Her breed is simply “little white fluffy dog,” a charming descriptor for a dog with an even more charming personality. We welcomed Sueshi into our lives after adopting her from the Virginia Beach SPCA when she was just a puppy of about 3 months old. She had been found abandoned in a park and was thankfully brought to the shelter by a kind stranger.
My connection with Sueshi began during a particularly stressful day when I was CEO of the Virginia Beach SPCA. Seeking a brief respite, I did something quite out of character – I stepped into the “green room,” the haven for puppies awaiting adoption. As I entered, I was greeted by a chorus of eager puppies, all vying for attention at the front of their kennels. But then, a distinct, piercing bark from a smaller kennel behind me caught my ear.
Turning around, I saw her – ‘Susie,’ a tiny fluff ball with an endearing underbite, likely a mix of Shih Tzu and Poodle. I gently took her out of her kennel and held her close. As if sensing comfort, she immediately stopped barking. The rest, as they say, is history. Susie, our kennel coordinator (for whom the dog was initially named), witnessed this instant connection and declared, “Dia, you have to have that dog!” However, she suggested a slight name change, and thus, “Susie” became “Sueshi,” with an “e.”
Sueshi’s early days with us were challenging. She arrived with ear mites, worms, and a urinary tract infection. While our veterinary team diligently treated her, the infections kept returning. An ultrasound revealed kidney dysplasia, a condition meaning her kidneys were malformed, and her prognosis was, at best, five years of life.
This Thanksgiving marks Sueshi’s 6th birthday. She is truly my miracle dog, and each day with her is a gift I deeply cherish.
I know many of you share similar heartwarming stories of pets who have become integral parts of your families. As you prepare for your Thanksgiving celebrations, I encourage you to consider your pets’ well-being and safety amidst the holiday hustle and bustle.
To help ensure your pets have a safe and stress-free Thanksgiving, here are some essential tips:
Thanksgiving Food Hazards: Keeping Festive Feasts Pet Safe
The enticing aromas of Thanksgiving dinner can be overwhelmingly tempting for our pets. However, many holiday staples pose significant health risks to them. It’s crucial to be mindful of what your pets might ingest during Thanksgiving gatherings.
Onions and Garlic: Toxic Ingredients to Avoid
Onions and garlic, common ingredients in many Thanksgiving dishes like stuffing and gravy, are toxic to both dogs and cats. These vegetables, in all forms (cooked, raw, powdered, or dehydrated), can damage your pet’s red blood cells, leading to anemia. Even small amounts can be harmful. Symptoms of onion or garlic toxicity can include lethargy, weakness, decreased appetite, pale gums, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Raisins and Grapes: Dangerous Holiday Fruits
Raisins and grapes, often found in fruit salads or stuffing, are another significant Thanksgiving food hazard. These fruits are highly toxic to dogs and can cause kidney failure. The exact toxic mechanism is still unknown, but even a small quantity can be detrimental. Signs of raisin or grape toxicity can appear within a few hours and include vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, lethargy, abdominal pain, and decreased urination.
Chocolate and Artificial Sweeteners: Dessert Dangers
Holiday desserts, especially those containing chocolate or artificial sweeteners like xylitol, are particularly dangerous for pets. Chocolate, especially dark chocolate and baker’s chocolate, contains theobromine, a stimulant toxic to dogs and cats. Xylitol, often found in sugar-free candies and baked goods, is extremely poisonous to dogs, causing a rapid release of insulin, leading to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), liver failure, and even death. Symptoms of chocolate or xylitol poisoning can include vomiting, diarrhea, hyperactivity, tremors, seizures, increased heart rate, and collapse.
Fatty Foods and Bones: Digestive Upset and Choking Risks
Rich, fatty foods like gravy, poultry skin, and fatty meat trimmings can cause pancreatitis, a painful inflammation of the pancreas, in pets. Cooked bones, especially from poultry, are brittle and can splinter, posing a serious choking hazard or causing internal injuries if ingested. It’s best to keep these tempting but dangerous food items well out of reach of your pets.
Dia DuVernet, CEO of Pasadena Humane, with her pet dog Sueshi, promoting pet safe Thanksgiving tips.
Creating a Stress-Free Thanksgiving Environment for Your Pets
Thanksgiving gatherings, while joyful for us, can be overwhelming and stressful for our pets. The influx of guests, changes in routine, and heightened noise levels can disrupt their sense of security. Creating a calm and safe environment is crucial for their well-being.
Guest Management and Pet Supervision: Ensuring Calm Interactions
Inform your guests beforehand about your Pet Safety guidelines. Kindly request them to be mindful of keeping doors closed to prevent accidental escapes. Supervise all interactions between children and pets closely to ensure they are positive and safe for both. Excited children and pets can sometimes unintentionally create stressful situations.
Safe and Quiet Retreat: Providing a Peaceful Sanctuary
Designate a quiet, comfortable space where your pet can retreat if they feel overwhelmed. This could be a bedroom, a crate, or a quiet corner. Equip this safe space with their favorite bed, toys, and water. Consider providing a food-dispensing toy to keep them occupied and reduce anxiety. Playing calming music or using a white noise machine can further help create a relaxing atmosphere.
Maintaining Routine: Consistency in a Changing Day
Pets thrive on routine, and the holiday upheaval can be unsettling. Strive to maintain your pet’s regular feeding and walking schedule as much as possible. Consistent routines provide a sense of normalcy and security amidst the holiday changes. Even short walks or playtime breaks can help alleviate stress and provide much-needed normalcy.
Be Prepared for Pet Emergencies During Thanksgiving
Veterinary clinics often have reduced hours or are closed on Thanksgiving Day. It’s essential to be prepared in case of a pet emergency.
Emergency Vet Information: Know Your Options
Before Thanksgiving Day, identify the emergency vet clinics in your area and note their operating hours. Keep their contact information readily accessible in case your pet experiences a food-related illness, injury, or other emergency. Knowing where to go in advance can save valuable time and reduce stress during a critical situation.
Updated Pet ID: Ensuring a Safe Return Home
Ensure your pet is wearing a collar with a current ID tag and is microchipped. Verify that your contact information on both the tag and the microchip is up-to-date, especially if you have recently moved or changed your phone number. In the event your pet becomes lost, up-to-date identification significantly increases the chances of a safe and swift return home. If your pet does go missing, promptly visit your local animal shelter’s website for lost pet resources and online listings, which are frequently updated.
As for Sueshi, her signature piercing bark remains a constant. It’s her unique way of expressing affection, greeting every person and animal she meets with enthusiastic barks and joyful twirls. Despite attempts at training, her bark is an indelible part of her personality – and a reminder of how I found her in the first place. While I appreciate the sentiment, I do occasionally wonder if our neighbors might prefer a slightly quieter welcome for our Thanksgiving guests!
Wishing you and your pets a very happy, safe, and pet-safe Thanksgiving!
Dia DuVernet is president and CEO of Pasadena Humane.
