It is time to put the turkey in the oven and turn on the dog show. It is time for Thanksgiving!

When everyone is getting ready for the big holiday feast it is easy to forget about Fido and his safety.

Anytime there is an abnormal amount of people or activity in your house, Fido’s safety can be compromised.

By following a few safety tips and using common sense, you will have your pet thanking you this Thanksgiving for keeping them safe and healthy.

Try not to fall into the temptation of giving your pet table scraps during Thanksgiving dinner.

Abnormal feeding patterns can cause things like abdominal pain, diarrhea, or even vomiting.

None of which will be welcome during a family gathering. While it may seem innocent to give Rover a little nibble of turkey here and a little serving of stuffing there, pounds can quickly add up during this festive season.

Your pet being overweight is unhealthy and may shorten their lifespan. If you cannot resist letting Rover partake in the family meal, make sure his turkey sampling is boneless and well cooked.

Sage, a common ingredient in stuffing, contains essential oils and resins that can cause an upset stomach and central nervous system depression, if eaten in large quantities. Cats are more sensitive to this than dogs.

Turkey bones are dangerous and do not make good chew toys. Turkey bones are hollow and splinter easily, making them a definite health hazard. It may be a good idea to have your pet’s favorite chew toy ready to keep them entertained.

If you would like to give them a special treat, try filling a hollow rubber dog toy with peanut butter. Your dog will love it, plus it will keep them busy during your company’s visit.

Holiday trash is another temptation for your four legged friend. Make sure all scraps and garbage is secured.

It only takes seconds for Fido to wolf-down a piece of aluminum foil, wax paper, or any other holiday flavored trash.

Any foreign item can cause a medical emergency. The last place you want to spend Thanksgiving is at the vet.

If your pet gets nervous or anxious, it may be time for a break. Have a quiet room prepared. Whether it is their favorite bed or crate, have it ready and available. It will give them a place of refuge and security.

As always, keep their ID tag on their collar. With all the traffic in and out of the door, your pet may squeeze out unnoticed. The ID will greatly aid in his safe return.

Thanksgiving is a time of giving thanks. Let us not forget to be thankful for the blessings of family, friends, and, of course, our four legged companions. Happy Thanksgiving everyone! Remember, every dog deserves to be treated like a show dog.

Tony Barker, The BARKer Shop