Thanksgiving Pet Safety Tips

Thanksgiving brings full tables, open doors, and plenty of tempting smells, which means more chances for pets to get into trouble. A few simple precautions can keep the holiday happy for everyone, including the four-legged members of your family.

Safe to Share (in Small Amounts)

If you'd like to include your pet in the feast, stick to plain, unseasoned foods and keep portions small. Rich or unfamiliar food can upset a pet's stomach, even when it isn't toxic.

• Turkey: Plain, fully cooked, white meat only. NO BONES, skin, gravy, or seasoning.

• Pumpkin: Plain cooked or canned pumpkin. Not pie filling, which contains sugar and spices.

• Sweet potatoes: Plain and cooked, with no butter, marshmallows, or brown sugar.

• Green beans and carrots: Plain, steamed or raw, with no butter, oil, or seasoning.

• Apples: A few slices with the core and seeds removed.

When in doubt, a pet-safe treat or a spoonful of their regular food in a special bowl works just as well.

Keep Off the Plate

Some holiday staples are dangerous or toxic to pets, even in small amounts.

• Cooked bones: They can splinter and cause choking or internal injuries.

• Turkey skin, fat, and gravy: Rich, fatty foods can lead to stomach upset or pancreatitis.

• Onions, garlic, leeks, and chives: Common in stuffing and casseroles, and toxic to both dogs and cats.

• Grapes, raisins, and currants: Can cause kidney failure in dogs.

• Chocolate: Especially dark and baking chocolate.

• Xylitol: A sugar substitute found in some baked goods, candy, gum, and peanut butter.

• Raw yeast dough: Can expand in the stomach and produce alcohol.

• Alcohol: Even a small amount can be dangerous.

• Nuts: Macadamia nuts are toxic to dogs, and other nuts are high in fat.

• Desserts: Pies and sweets are often high in sugar, fat, and spices like nutmeg.

Beyond the Table

• Secure the trash. Turkey carcasses, bones, strings, and foil wrappers are tempting and dangerous. Take trash out promptly or use a bin with a locking lid.

• Give them a quiet space. Guests and noise can be stressful. Set up a calm room with water, bedding, and a favorite toy.

• Watch the door. With guests coming and going, pets can slip out. Make sure your pet's ID tag and microchip information are up to date.

• Brief your guests. Ask visitors not to feed your pet from their plates, no matter how convincing the begging is.

• Check your centerpiece. Lilies are highly toxic to cats, and some fall flowers and plants can upset a pet's stomach.

• Plan ahead for travel. If your pet is coming along, pack their food, medications, and leash, and keep them safely secured in the car.

  
  

If Your Pet Eats Something They Shouldn't

Don't wait for symptoms. Call your veterinarian or the nearest emergency animal hospital right away.

From all of us at ARC, we wish you and your pets a safe and happy Thanksgiving!