5 Thanksgiving Safety Tips for Dog Sitters
Thanksgiving is a wonderful time to reflect on what we’re grateful for, whether it’s good meals with family, football with friends, or a dog laying by our feet. At Rover, we’re thankful for office dogs and sunny Seattle weather; for tasty treats and new friends. Most of all, we’re grateful for our sitters and pet parents across the country, along with the thousands of furry friends we’ve gotten to know through your great stories and photos.
The holidays can be a busy time, and there’s a lot for pet sitters to keep in mind. From new foods to house guests, Thanksgiving presents unique challenges. Here are 5 tips for keeping dogs safe this Thanksgiving.
Be mindful of human and canine house guests
It’s very important to discuss house rules with your holiday guests ahead of time—especially if children are coming over. Always let guests know that they must shut gates and watch for dogs before opening the doors to your home. And remember: never let visitors feed scraps to the dogs in your care.
Prevent dog escapes
Take extra precautions by putting up baby gates or exercise pens around the doors. Make sure every dog has a tag with up-to-date contact information, and a help4pets tag, if you have one. If you’re taking a dog out in a fenced yard to play, be sure you never leave them unattended.
Breaking the wishbone is no fun for Wishbone
One of the main hazards during Thanksgiving: cooked turkey bones. Cooked bones can splinter and cause damage to a dog’s throat and intestinal tract, requiring surgery. Keep the turkey well out of the way on the back of the counter or center of the table.
More dogs, more potential
The holidays are very busy and many sitters will take multiple dogs from different families. Feed all dogs separately in different rooms or crates to prevent fights. If you need to leave unfamiliar dogs unattended, separate them into different rooms. If the dogs in your care are experiencing separation anxiety, take them on a good long walk to relieve stress.
Remember: Rover is here for you
Rover has tons of resources for you while you’re watching Rover dogs. Check our Help Center for useful dog care information. In the rare case that something more serious happens, we’re always here for you with 24/7 emergency support—reach us by calling 888-453-7889.
From all of us at Rover, have a safe, fun, and dog-tastic Thanksgiving!