This November 23rd, many pet-owners will be saying "thanks" for their four-legged friends. Keeping pets safe during a hectic holiday is a good way to show your gratitude to man's best friends. Holiday guests and other activities can be very stressful and even frightening to pets. The excitement can also trigger illness and intestinal upset if proper precautions are not heeded.

Tips to keep pets healthy and happy on turkey day:

• Ensure pets have a quiet safe place to retreat from the noise and confusion.
• Make certain pets are wearing current I.D. at all times.
• Microchip your pets as an additional identification should the pet become lost. Most veterinarians offer microchipping services, which have reunited countless number of pets with their families.
• Be vigilant of open doors as pets may try escape when quests come and go.

Food safety and pets

• Chocolate can be highly toxic to pets. Call your vet immediately if your pet has ingested a large amount of chocolate.
• Grapes, raisins, holly berries, and macadamia nuts can cause serious and life-threatening illnesses to pets.
• Any rapid changes in diet - or even adding novel "safe foods" can cause intestinal upset or even pancreatitis problems for pets.
• Never feed pets leftovers from the dinner table and keep trashcans away out of pets' reach. Items such as chicken and turkey bones can easily splinter and choke cats and dogs.
• When cooking dinner for your guests, be sure to move pet birds away from the kitchen area. Fumes released from nonstick cookware and self-cleaning ovens can be deadly.

For more holiday pet tips www.SPCATampaBay.org.

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