Thanksgiving with Pets

Thanksgiving is a great time to spend with friends, family and have holiday feasts. This time of year is also a time for possible distress for pets. During parties or family get togethers, make sure pets have a quiet space to retreat to. It can be a separate room or even just a corner of a room or under a piece of furniture. Wherever they are most comfortable when they need a break.

Thanksgiving can carry some hazards for pets. It is tempting to share the holiday feast with pets but do so with caution. These are some tips to help keep your pet healthy through the holidays:

Avoid giving turkey meat, especially fatty dark meat, and skin
Rich, fatty foods such as butter, cream, gravy, bacon, and turkey skin can result in a serious condition known as pancreatitis
Never give pets leftover bones, they are a choking hazard and can splinter in the digestive tract
Garlic, onion, leeks, and chives are some seasonings common in many Thanksgiving dishes and are toxic to dogs and cats
Unbaked dough containing yeast can cause a stomach blockage
Never share desserts. Chocolate is toxic for dogs and cats. Some desserts contain Xylitol, which even in small amounts, is toxic to dogs

Ask family and friends to not feed the dog or cat and make sure the trash can is secure to keep the pets from helping themselves to yummy scraps. Feed pets pet-friendly options, such as raw fruits and vegetables. Baby carrots, green beans, apples, chunks of sweet potato, or pumpkin puree are great options.

Try practicing these Thanksgiving tips so you and your pet can enjoy a safe and happy holiday.

Learn more:

Thanksgiving Safety Tips. [Internet] Available from: https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/general-pet-care/thanksgiving-safety-tips

Thanksgiving Pet Safety Tips. [Internet] Available from: https://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/uncategorized/thanksgiving-pet-safety-tips/

Tips for Keeping Your Pets Safe this Thanksgiving. [Internet] Available from: https://humaneanimalrescue.org/tips-for-keeping-your-pets-safe-this-thanksgiving/