The holiday season is right around the corner! As you prepare to celebrate and feast with loved ones, consider practicing these helpful tips to keep your pet safe and healthy during the holidays.

Don’t feed your pet table scraps. 

No matter how much they may beg or whine, do not feed your pet table scraps! Consumption of fatty foods such as turkey, butter and gravies can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain triggered by pancreatitis inflammation. Foods containing dough and yeast can also cause painful gas, while corn cobs and discarded turkey bones can result in gastrointestinal injuries.

Preplan tasty food and treats for your pet to enjoy

Consider making holiday dinners enjoyable for your pet by feeding them seasonal flavored pet food away from the dinner table. Many brands offer turkey and pumpkin-flavored food that your pet can enjoy without experiencing a tummy ache.

Allow your pet to get plenty of exercise before guest arrive.

If you’re hosting during the holidays, make sure your pet gets plenty of time to run around and tire themselves out. Doing so can put anxious pets at ease, allowing them to calm down and relax before guest arrive.

Properly discard trash.

Let’s be honest, even if you don’t directly feed your pet table scraps, animals are mischievously resourceful and will scavenge through the trash for a tasty snack. Prevent your pet from dumpster diving by making sure all garbage is disposed of in a tightly secured trash bag placed in a covered trash bin outdoors.

Renew or get your pet licensed

Licensing your pet is so important! If your pet is lost, a license can help identify where they belong and get them home safely. During the holidays, loud noises, unfamiliar guests and crowded spaces can be overwhelming and scary. Some pets may slip out the door and wander from home in search of a safe place to relax. Give your pet a chance to make it back home in the instance that they get lost by getting them licensed!