Thanksgiving is a time for celebration, family, and of course, plenty of delicious food. While this holiday is a joyous occasion for humans, it can present a variety of hazards for pets. From tempting foods that can be harmful to pets to the hustle and bustle of a busy household, it’s important to ensure your furry friends stay safe throughout the festivities. Here are some essential Thanksgiving pet safety tips to keep your pets happy and healthy during the feast.
1. Avoid Giving Pets Harmful Foods
Thanksgiving dinner is filled with rich and savory foods that might be tempting to share with your pets, but many holiday favorites can be dangerous for them. Keep the following in mind:
- No Turkey Bones or Fat Trimmings: Turkey bones can splinter and cause choking or internal injuries. Fat trimmings from turkey or other meats can lead to digestive issues like pancreatitis. Stick to pet-safe treats instead.
- Avoid Onions, Garlic, and Seasonings: Many dishes contain onions, garlic, and other seasonings, all of which can be toxic to pets. Foods like stuffing, gravy, and mashed potatoes may contain these harmful ingredients, so keep these off your pet’s plate.
- No Desserts Containing Chocolate or Xylitol: Desserts like chocolate cake or cookies are a big no for pets. Chocolate and xylitol, an artificial sweetener found in many baked goods, are both highly toxic to dogs and cats. Keep dessert platters out of reach.
- Skip the Rich Sides: While plain, cooked vegetables like carrots or sweet potatoes may be safe in moderation, avoid sharing rich, buttery sides like green bean casserole or sweet potato dishes topped with marshmallows.
2. Create a Safe, Calm Environment
Thanksgiving gatherings can get busy and overwhelming, especially if you’re hosting guests. Here’s how to create a pet-friendly environment:
- Provide a Quiet Space: With all the commotion, pets can become anxious or overstimulated. Set up a quiet, comfortable area where your pet can retreat if the noise and activity become too much. This space should have their bed, favorite toys, and access to water.
- Watch the Door: With guests coming and going, doors may be left open, increasing the risk of your pet escaping. Assign someone to keep an eye on the door or consider putting your pet in a safe room during peak activity times.
- Monitor Interactions with Guests: Not all guests may be familiar with how to interact with pets. Make sure children and visitors know how to approach your pet calmly and gently. If your pet is nervous around strangers, give them plenty of space and allow them to interact on their own terms.
3. Watch Out for Decorations and Table Scraps
Thanksgiving decorations can also pose risks to your pets, especially if they’re curious about new objects in the home:
- Keep Decorations Out of Reach: Keep candles, small decorative items, and table centerpieces out of your pet’s reach. These items can be choking hazards or cause burns if knocked over.
- Trash Safety: Make sure your trash cans are secure. Leftover bones, food wrappers, and discarded scraps can be tempting to pets, but they can lead to digestive problems or worse if ingested.
4. Plan for Pet-Friendly Treats
If you want to include your pets in the Thanksgiving fun, prepare pet-friendly treats that are safe for them to enjoy:
- Pet-Safe Treats: Offer pet-friendly treats that are specially designed for your pet’s dietary needs. Many pet stores sell Thanksgiving-themed treats made just for pets.
- Homemade Treats: You can also make your own pet-friendly treats with ingredients like plain pumpkin, unsweetened applesauce, or peanut butter (xylitol-free). Just be sure the ingredients are safe for your pet.
5. Know When to Seek Veterinary Help
Even with the best precautions, accidents can happen. Be aware of the signs of potential problems and know when to seek veterinary help:
- Signs of Toxicity: If your pet has ingested something harmful, symptoms may include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or restlessness. In severe cases, they may experience tremors, seizures, or difficulty breathing. If you notice any of these signs, contact your veterinarian or an emergency vet clinic immediately.
- Emergency Contact Information: Keep your veterinarian’s contact information and the number for a local emergency veterinary clinic handy in case of any urgent issues.
Conclusion
Thanksgiving is a wonderful time to gather with loved ones, but it’s important to keep your pets’ safety in mind throughout the festivities. By avoiding harmful foods, creating a safe environment, and planning pet-friendly alternatives, you can ensure your furry companions enjoy a happy and healthy Thanksgiving. With these simple precautions, you can make this holiday both festive and pet-friendly, allowing everyone—pets included—to celebrate in comfort and safety.
References: Fullwood Animal Hospital, CareCredit