From Cesar’s Way

1.) Increase your dog’s exercise regimen! Before visiting or receiving holiday guests, take your dog out for a long walk. If you drain your dog’s excess energy, he or she will be more likely to behave.

2.) No food from the table! I recommend that you follow this rule year round, and it is even more important during the excitement of the holidays. Set a distance your dog is allowed to be from the table, and stick to it!

3.) Be aware of harmful human food! Many foods, such as turkey bones and skin, grapes, raisins, chocolate, and onions, can be dangerous for your dog. If you want your dog to be a part of the feasting, consider buying special dog treats or share a small piece of white turkey meat.

4.) Secure the garbage! The scents coming from the trash can are just as tempting as those wafting from the dinner table, but dangerous objects, such as roasting bags, string, and pop-up timers, are often attached to those tasty scraps.

5.) Inform your visitors! Before they arrive, remind your guests to practice no touch, no talk, and no eye contact when meeting your canine companions. Let them know the rules, boundaries, and limitations of the household, so they can help you enforce them.

6.) Use dog tags! With the hubbub of the holidays, it is very important to make sure that your dog is wearing identification. If you and your dog are going out of town, you may want to add a temporary tag listing your new location’s contact information.

7.) Know your dog! If your dog is overwhelmed by large crowds and new people, it may be better to leave him at home when you go to the parade or find a pet sitter while you attend the family reunion.

8.) Keep a keen eye out! Don’t forget your dog when the festivities begin. If your dog is experiencing diarrhea, vomiting, or displaying other unusual behaviors, he or she may have ingested something harmful. Seek medical assistance immediately if you become concerned.

9.) Have emergency contact information ready! Just in case, keep the number of your veterinarian, the nearest emergency clinic, and the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center National Hotline (888-426-4435) handy. Being prepared can save your dog’s life.

10.) Live in the moment! Thanksgiving is about family. Don’t forget to share the joy and laughter of this wonderful day with your canine family member!