A Month of Thanks
It’s that time of year again. The holidays are fast approaching. That means more flannel and fur (on humans, not just dogs) as the weather cools, and also gatherings of family and friends, punctuated with some shopping spree bursts. We’d like to remind you to take the time to show some thanks amidst all that flurry and highlight some reasons for doing so!
Dog Dad Zack Manko and his dog Sorcha are looking forward to family time this month. Thanksgiving is a favorite holiday of theirs, but they want to assure your furry family members enjoy a feast - but keep it a safe feast for your pets!
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Feast Food Safety
When we say giving thanks, the first thing that pops into most people’s heads is Thanksgiving. Food, feasts, and family time are great, but remember that this holiday event can be dangerous.
Having a healthy pet is certainly a reason to be thankful, but, perhaps unsurprisingly, Thanksgiving coincides with an uptick in vet visits. Naturally, these incidents are related to food in some way.
Many human foods are dangerous for animals. While sweet potatoes, potatoes, apples, green beans, pumpkins, and turkey meat (that has been de-skinned and deboned) are all safe, other holiday staples most definitely are not. Turkey bones, gravy, stuffing, mashed potatoes, creamed peas, ham, and casseroles are all off limits, as they can pose choking hazards or contain toxic ingredients.
On that note, onions, scallions, and garlic are all toxic to dogs, so avoid any dishes that contain these ingredients. Everyone knows that chocolate can make dogs sick, but so too can raisins and grapes. Alcohol is on the unsafe list as well. Never share beer, wine, or spirits with your dog, and be sure to keep them up and out of reach of your furry friend.
Yeast dough is also toxic to dogs. This means no bread for your pooch, and it is best to keep crusty desserts (like pumpkin pie) away from them as well. In fact, many desserts contain artificial sweeteners, like xylitol, which are poisonous to canines, so they are off-limits, too.
Now, we know that you are not going to put out a spread that does not contain at least something from the list above (nor would we expect you to), so you need to take some additional precautions. As mentioned, keep off-limits food out of reach of your pets. Similarly, keep trash away from where pets can get into it. Encourage your guests to keep an eye on their plates and cups, and to clean up immediately after themselves, to avoid a dog sneaking off with something while they are in a food coma.
Want to be extra safe? Prepare something specially intended for canines. For example, Pet Perennials’ Peanut Butter Cake Mix for Dogs is the perfect holiday treat specially crafted for your four-legged companion.
As always, if your pet does eat something toxic or you suspect that they have eaten something they should not have, do not hesitate to call your veterinarian or a local veterinary emergency clinic. The ASPCA Poison Control Hotline (888-426-4435) or the Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661) are also great resources.
Remember, signs of pet distress include sudden changes in behavior, visible pain, vomiting, or diarrhea. Quick action can save your pet’s life!
Gifts for the Pet Lover in Your Life
Looking ahead to next month, it is never too early to be on the prowl for gifts for the holiday season. Most of us know at least one (if not many!) person that is obsessed with their pets, and leaning into their devotion can take the difficulty out of thinking about what to give them this year.
Why not get them something they can use with their pets again and again? Pet enthusiasts can always use a refresher on pet toys, as these tend to get beaten up (and eaten up) quite quickly. You could also shoot for something unique, like these Paw Shaped Silicone Cake Pans. They are perfect for baking dog-safe treats! The Reusable Pet-Themed Tote Bag is another great, unique option—ideal for the environmentally-conscious who are seeking to eliminate plastic bags from their life.
Similarly, some pet calming essential oil makes the perfect stocking stuffer for those that go the extra mile. You could also spring for something for the pet itself, like dog-safe treats for the pet’s stocking! Getting something for their pets shows that you care about them, and their hobby.
Now is also the time to think about those that may have lost a pet recently. Pet Perennials’ Crystal Rainbow Suncatchers are beautiful memorials for a fallen pet, and make an elegant gift or stocking stuffer. A pet loss comfort ornament is also quite timely for the holiday season.
Shop smart, and these pet lovers will be thankful that you are in their life!
Thank You to Our Veterans
Thanksgiving is not the only reason for, well, giving thanks this month. November is also home to Veterans Day, an important holiday not just for those in the military or with military families, but anyone in our fine country.
Veterans Day is held on the 11th of November each year, commemorating the end of World War I and is meant to pay homage to all American Veterans, living or deceased. You can pay tribute by calling a veteran you know or thanking veterans in public for their service.
One organization that has made a mission out of not just honoring veterans by aiding them directly is Pets for Vets. This association was established to help veterans that were returning from combat to readjust to civilian life. Returning troops often suffer from mental, emotional, and psychological issues, brought on by battlefield stress or traumatic events.
Bonding with a pet can reduce mental anguish, protect against loneliness, and provide a model for bridging the gap between us and others. Pets for Vets brings together veterans with shelter animals so that the lives of both can be improved.
Their process involves an application and an interview about the veteran and their expectations, lifestyle, and home situation. With this information, potential pets are then “interviewed” to determine which would be a good, successful fit with the veteran. Pets for Vets finds the right pair through their special “Super Bond” process.
If this sounds like something you would be interested in, volunteer or become a sponsor today!
Last But Not Least
Finally, we here at Pet Perennials would like to show our own thanks to you, our readers, and supporters! Thank you for being a part of our family and allowing us to serve yours.
Enjoy your November, and Happy Thanksgiving!
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