Thanksgiving tips for your pets

Thanksgiving doesn't sound like the best day for your pet. According to the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, they get upset about strangers in the house and could get sick from the food. Some tips:

• Don't give your pets chocolate, which can make animals sick.
• Put leftover bones and bits of turkey in a plastic bag, tie it securely and dispose of it in a trash can with a secure lid so stray animals can't get to it.
• Since animals often escape when extra visitors are coming and going, make sure dogs and cats wear identification tags with your current address and phone number, or have a microchip with that info implanted in your pet.
• Secure pets in a separate room with their favorite toys, a cozy
  pet bed and, perhaps, music  -- particularly soothing classical tunes -- to help them relax and to help prevent escapes.