SAN ANTONIO -- With the Thanksgiving holiday on the way, people will be spending more time indoors entertaining, and the San Antonio Animal Care Services Department wants to remind pet owners to be mindful of their pets’ safety while including them in the celebrations.

The agency offered the following tips to keep their pets safe:

• Pay attention to your companion animal. Pets are often ignored in the rush and excitement of the holidays. This can lead to destructive boredom and mischief.
• Create a safe, comfortable place for your pet to relax if you are having several, unfamiliar guests over. Make sure you put out plenty of fresh food, water and toys.
• Play with your dog or cat at least twice a day for a good length of time. A tired pet is less likely to do something “off limits.” Consider using baby gates to cut off access to restricted areas.
• Ensure your pet has some form of identification should they get lost like an engraved tag with your contact number and a microchip ID.
• It may be tempting, but don’t give your pet food off of the table. The rich foods we typically eat during the holidays can be hard on your animal’s stomach and may lead to intestinal upset and diarrhea.
• Poultry bones, including turkey, are a choking hazard.
• Giving alcohol to a pet, even a sip or two, is dangerous and could be fatal.

Emergency Information:

If you think your pet may have ingested something toxic call the ASPCA Pet Poison Control Center at 1-888-426-4435 or call the nearest pet emergency clinic.