Our dogs and cats are part of the family, so it is only natural to want to share the holidays with them. It is OK to treat your dog to a home-cooked turkey dinner. (see recipe below.) Just make sure it is free of bones which may splinter and get lodged in the intestines. Dogs can also choke on small bones.

Here are a few more tips to keep your pets safe and happy this Thanksgiving Day:

• If you are having guests, please ask them not to feed your dog table scraps, chocolate, grapes or raisins.

• Avoid feeding your pets turkey skin, mashed potatoes, heavy gravy and butter. These foods are very rich and fatty and may cause Bloat.

• Have a safe room where your pets can hide and relax away from children or obnoxious guests if needed!

• Take your dog for a walk if the excitement in the house is too loud. It will help you both digest your meal.

• Play relaxing music in the background to create a peaceful atmosphere for both pets and humans.

• Add 3-4 drops of Rescue Remedy in your pet’s water to keep them calm.

Here is an easy recipe from Maria, owner of Nikki, a feisty 8 year old schnauzer who is fortunate to eat a home-cooked meal everyday….not just on holidays!

Nikki’s Grateful Oats Recipe for Dogs

Boil two cups water, add one cup of quick cooking rolled oats, remove from heat, cover and passively cook for 45 min. Boil ground turkey or ground chicken about two cups drain and cool.

Steam either green beans, baby carrots or sweet potatoes with a couple cloves of fresh garlic so they are soft, let cool. Add a sprig of parsley for good breath and serve in your favorite holiday dog bowl.

Halloween can be a spooky time for pets. Strange noises, unfamiliar trick or treaters and dangerous candy. Here are a few ideas to keep your pets safe during Halloween.

1.Halloween candy, especially chocolate, can be harmful or even deadly for your pets. To help keep your pets out of the candy bowl, try to have a few extra pet treats around the house for your furry friends. After all, it’s a Trick or Treat night for them, too, and it’s only polite to have treats for your pet.

2. Candy wrappers, tin foil and small toys can get stuck in your pets digestive tract and may require an quick and expensive trip to the vet. Some dogs will eat anything that’s laying around the house, so be sure to keep an eye on what falls to the floor.

3. Thinking of Trick or Treating with your pet? In many places, Halloween night is not a safe night for any of your animals to be out. Here in Salem, Massachusetts, Halloween night means thousands of noisy and costumed visitors filling the streets: quite a confusing spectacle, and far too loud for a dog’s or cat’s sensitive ears. Try keeping your pets indoors for the evening and reward them with a special treat.

4. If your pets are sensitive to noise, loud rapping on the door and noisy children may rattle them. Add some Rescue Remedy to their water for the evening, and play soothing music for them. You may want to set them up in a room that is away from the commotion for the evening.

5. Finally, remember to keep your pets (and their tails) away from burning candles and jack-o-lanterns. There is nothing spookier for you or your animal than a tail on fire.

With these safeguards, your night of ghosts, goblins and costumed children can be safe and fun for everyone.

Happy Halloween!