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Posted: Wed 9:05 AM, Nov 14, 2012
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Reporter: WOWT Email
Updated: Wed 9:06 AM, Nov 14, 2012

Remember Pets This Thanksgiving

The Humane Society of the United States is reminding people that it’s important to include our canine and feline friends in our Thanksgiving preparations.

The HSUS offers these tips to keep our four-legged family members healthy and happy:

Is your pet partying with you at home?

  • Provide your pet with a quiet, out-of-the-way room during holiday parties. Though some pets may enjoy socializing opportunities, the excitement of a party may overwhelm others.
  • Avoid the urge to give your pets table scraps, especially bones. Bones easily splinter and can cause serious health problems, even death. Many foods that humans love are potentially toxic to dogs and cats (like chocolate, raisins and onions). Ask your guests to respect your “no feeding” wishes.

Is your pet traveling with you?

  • If you are planning to take your pet with you when visiting friends and relatives during the holidays, be sure to contact them in advance to find out if your pet is welcome. Because of the excitement during the holidays, it might be best to board your pet or hire a reputable pet sitter instead. Click here for tips on finding a boarding facility.
  • When traveling with your pet, attach temporary tags with contact information for your mobile phone, as well as a phone number for where you are staying.
  • Know the contact information for a local veterinarian at your destination, in case of emergency, and check on their holiday availability. Be sure that you bring along a copy of your pet’s health records, and pack extra amounts of any medication they take in case your return home is delayed.
  • Traveling with your pet by air is risky, particularly during this busy time for airlines. Consider driving instead of flying, or leaving your pet under the care of a pet sitter or boarding kennel. Remember that your pet’s carrier will be expected to undergo airline screening, so be sure to either have your pet securely harnessed so she can be safely contained while her carrier is x-rayed or request a special secondary screening from TSA that will not require you to take her out of her carrier. Click here for more information about traveling with pets by air.

Is your pet taking a vacation from you?

  • If you are leaving your pet at home with a pet sitter, be sure to ask for references, plus written proof that he or she is bonded and has commercial liability insurance.
  • If you are leaving your pet at a boarding kennel, visit the kennel ahead of time to make sure that it’s clean, comfortable, and safe for your pet.

The HSUS is urging pet owners to take important precautions, as festive food and beverages, along with the commotion of large gatherings may pose hazards for our furry family members.

“Thanksgiving is a special time of year for many families, but it can also be hectic, and the change in routines can be confusing for pets,” said KC Theisen, director of pet care issues for The HSUS.

“It’s important to take an extra minute to pay attention to your pet’s well-being, so everyone can have an enjoyable holiday.”

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