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Thanksgiving safety tips for dog owners

As Thanksgiving approaches, many of us are busy planning what dishes we are going to make. It’s important to keep in mind that your dog is also going to be around, and you may not be able to give her your full, undivided attention.

This leaves more of a chance for your pup to sneak food off the table while you’re not looking. Although this appears humorous in movies and sitcoms, the reality is that certain human foods may be dangerous and sometimes even fatal for dogs.

Check out these American Kennel Club tips to help keep your four-legged friend safe during this holiday.

- Leave food out of sight. Make sure to keep an eye on your dinner table during Thanksgiving and put all leftovers away. Any lingering food can tempt your dog to hop up and devour it off the table.

- Avoid feeding your pup table scraps. It’s tempting to feed your dog table scraps when she gives you her best begging look, but you should avoid doing so. While a small piece of turkey as a treat may be OK, foods such as stuffing, pies and cookies are inappropriate for dogs and will most likely make them sick. Be sure to remind your guests not to feed your dog from the table as well.

- Don’t assume that bones are safe. You may find that you want to share bones off your plate with your pup, but it’s best to avoid doing so. Turkey bones, for example, pose a serious choking hazard for your dog and can lead to an emergency trip to the veterinarian.

- Take out the garbage. Make sure that the garbage left over from your meals goes straight outside to avoid the risk of your dog going through it. The last thing you want her to munch on is a risky item such as turkey fat, which can cause pancreatitis in dogs.

- Create a comfortable environment. If you’re hosting a Thanksgiving dinner at your home, remember that some people may be afraid of your dog, and your dog may be uncomfortable as well. To keep everyone, including your dog, comfortable and safe, you may want to keep her in her crate or confined to a room that won’t be used by your guests.

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