ENCINITAS–No turkey for Terriers, ham for hamsters, sauce for Siamese, or pie for Persians.
Rancho Coastal Humane Society (RCHS) says good sense goes a long way in keeping pets safe (and your carpet clean) on Thanksgiving.
“Many of us don’t use good judgment on Thanksgiving,” says RCHS spokesman John Van Zante. “But at least we understand the consequences. Our dogs, cats, and other pets will eat as much as we give them until they’re sick or in danger.”
Van Zante says it’s up to us to control what our pets eat on Thanksgiving. “Don’t even start giving ‘people food’ to pets. If you offer, of course they’ll take it. We’re responsible for our pets, even if we make poor decisions for ourselves.”
A few simple rules to help keep pets safe on Thanksgiving:
* Make sure they have “Pet Food” available
* Keep the pets out of the kitchen
* Remind your family and guests NOT to sneak food to your pets
* No Bones. (Cooked bones can splinter and puncture the digestive system)
* DO NOT give your pets the fat.
* No sweets, candy or deserts.
* No Booze, cider, sparkling water, etc.
* Ask if it’s okay before taking your pet to someone else’s home.
A pet on the kitchen floor can’t see the difference between a counter top and a stove top…so do not allow them on the counter.
Properly dispose of anything that smells like food. That includes plastic wrap, roasting bags, meat thermometers, skin, bones, etc. If it smells like food…your pet will eat it.
“Curiosity really can kill the cat,” says Van Zante. “Make sure your decorations are safe for pets. Take out the trash. Provide your pet with a place to hide away if it gets overwhelmed. Your caution can save their life.”
Rancho Coastal Humane Society, located at 389 Requeza Street in Encinitas, will be closed Thanksgiving Day. They will open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. the rest of the holiday weekend.
For more information call (760) 753-6413, or visit www.sdpets.org.
