Thanksgiving Pet Safety Tips

Texas Border Business

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EL PASO, Texas — As families across El Paso prepare for Thanksgiving gatherings, El Paso Animal Services is reminding pet owners to take proactive steps to keep their pets safe during the busy holiday season to reduce the risk of pet bites, lost pets, and holiday-related emergencies.

1. Make sure pets are properly identified before guests arrive. With doors opening for guests, pets can slip outside unnoticed. Families are encouraged to check that their pet’s microchip information is up to date and that they are wearing a collar with a readable ID tag. 
2. Microchip information can be found at PetMicrochipLookup.org and registered for free at 24PetWatch.com
3. Provide a calm, quiet space for pets and supervise interactions. Thanksgiving gatherings can be overwhelming for pets, and stress may cause unpredictable behaviors, including bites. Most dog bites occur inside the home and involve kids or familiar people, especially during busy or overstimulating moments. Creating a safe space for your pets away from the action can greatly reduce this risk while also keeping them secure from possible escape routes.
4. Avoid feeding pets unsafe holiday foods. Many traditional dishes—such as onions, garlic, grapes, raisins, chocolate, turkey bones, and fatty foods—are harmful or toxic to pets. Families should offer pet-safe treats or small amounts of plain turkey instead. A full list of toxic foods is available at ASPCA.org, and pet owners can contact the poison control hotline at (888) 426-4435 in case of accidental ingestion.
5. Secure décor, candles, wires, and trash. Decorations and holiday setups can pose risks to pets. Curious animals may knock over lit candles, chew on electrical cords, or ingest decorations. Keeping décor out of reach, covering loose wires, and properly sealing trash bins can prevent accidental injuries or ingestion of harmful items.

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With a little preparation and awareness, families can enjoy a safe, happy Thanksgiving with their pets by their side. 

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El Paso Animal Services encourages the community to stay alert, plan ahead, and take small steps that make a big difference in keeping pets out of harm’s way. 

For more pet safety resources, visit ElPasoAnimalServices.org.

Information Source: City of El Paso

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