Keep Your Pets Safe This Thanksgiving: Essential Tips

Thanksgiving is a time for families to gather and celebrate, but it is crucial to ensure that pets remain safe during the festivities. As families prepare to feast, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) offer important guidelines to protect furry family members from holiday hazards.

Food Safety Tips for Pets

Many traditional Thanksgiving foods can pose serious health risks to pets. Fatty dishes like gravy, stuffing, turkey skin, and drippings may lead to gastrointestinal issues such as vomiting or pancreatitis. Additionally, cooked bones can splinter, potentially causing choking or internal injuries. Common ingredients found in Thanksgiving meals, including onions, garlic, grapes, raisins, and high-sodium broths, are toxic to animals.

While plain, fully cooked, boneless turkey is generally safe for pets in small amounts, most table scraps should be avoided. Holiday desserts also present risks. For example, pumpkin pie may contain spices harmful to pets, while raw eggs can lead to salmonella. Chocolate and xylitol sweeteners can cause severe reactions and even be fatal if ingested.

Preventing Access to Hazardous Items

To safeguard pets from harmful foods, it is essential to secure trash bins. Turkey carcasses, bones, and food scraps should be disposed of in tightly sealed bags and placed out of reach. Pets rummaging through trash can encounter dangerous items like bones, chocolate, and spoiled food, leading to serious illness.

Pet owners should also be cautious with holiday decorations. Certain plants and floral arrangements, such as amaryllis, Sweet William, specific ferns, hydrangeas, and baby’s breath, are toxic to pets. Other decorative items like corn cobs, pine cones, and gourds can cause choking or intestinal blockages.

To include pets in the holiday spirit safely, experts recommend creating a “pet-friendly plate.” This plate may include small portions of plain turkey, sweet potato, or green beans mixed with their regular food. Providing toys to keep pets occupied during dinner is another effective way to ensure they remain happy and engaged.

By following these guidelines, pet owners can create a safe and enjoyable Thanksgiving for everyone. Keeping pets away from harmful foods and hazardous decorations will help ensure that the holiday remains a joyful occasion for all family members, including the furry ones.