Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, and, of course, delicious food! While we’re enjoying the holiday feast, it’s essential to remember our furry family members, even if they can’t join in on cooking or festivities in the kitchen. Here are some important “DOs and DON’Ts” to help keep your pets safe, happy, and healthy this Thanksgiving.
Do: Offer Pet-Safe Treats
A little taste of Thanksgiving dinner can be a nice treat for your pet—as long as it’s safe! Here are some items they can enjoy:
- Cooked Turkey Meat (without seasoning): A few small, plain, cooked turkey meat pieces can be a delicious protein boost for your pet. Remove any skin, bones, and fatty parts to ensure this treat is tasty, but safe on your pet’s stomach.
- Pumpkin: Plain, cooked pumpkin (not the sugary pie filling, unfortunately) is a fiber-rich treat that many pets love. It can aid digestion and is low in calories, so the benefits extend past the bowl.
- Vegetables: Plain, steamed vegetables like carrots, green beans, and sweet potatoes (without butter or seasoning) are nutritious and safe. No need to skip out of the veggies and balanced diet, however, appropriate portions are always important to avoid stomach aches if your pet is not used to these scrumptious sides.
Don’t: Feed Them Toxic or Unhealthy Foods
Many Thanksgiving staples are unhealthy or even toxic to pets, although they can be favorites for us two-legged members. Avoid giving them:
- Stuffing: Stuffing often contains onions, garlic, and seasonings that can be toxic to pets.
- Mashed Potatoes: Butter, milk, and other dairy products can upset a pet’s stomach, and added ingredients like garlic or chives are toxic to them.
- Turkey Bones and Skin: Bones, especially when cooked, can splinter and cause choking or damage to your pet’s digestive system, while turkey skin is fatty and hard to digest.
- Desserts: Chocolate, xylitol (a sugar substitute often found in sugar-free foods), and grapes/raisins are dangerous/toxic to pets. Even pumpkin pie has added sugars and spices that can cause stomach upset. Even just an ounce of these products or a single raisin can bring havoc for your pet. Keep these for the human creatures only and out of reach of any “counter surfers.”
Do: Provide a Safe, Quiet Space
Thanksgiving gatherings can be overwhelming for pets. If you have guests over, set up a quiet room or area where your pet can retreat if they feel stressed or to rest once family gathers. Make sure they have access to water, a comfy bed, and some of their favorite toys. Calming music can even be a fun, relaxing addition for your pet.
Don’t: Let Pets Near the Trash
Food scraps like bones, corn cobs, and fatty leftovers can end up in the trash and pose a danger if your pet gets curious. Make sure your garbage is secure with a lid, or take it outside to prevent any unfortunate snacking accidents. Our pet’s struggle to resist the urge to hunt down “that smell,” so if you can help avoid the dilemma by keeping pets out of the kitchen or making a few extra trash trips, we strongly recommend it!
photo– Mischievous dog – Orange pit in bed
Do: Keep an Eye on Your Pet
With the hustle and bustle of Thanksgiving, it can be easy to lose track of your pet. Check in on them regularly, especially if you notice unusual behavior. Any signs of stomach upset, lethargy, or discomfort might indicate they got into something they shouldn’t have. Most veterinarians may be closed for the holiday, so knowing your pet is best to ensure a quick response should a Thanksgiving day accident occur.
Don’t: Forget to Keep Emergency Contacts Handy
Despite our best efforts, accidents can happen. Keep your veterinarian’s contact information, along with the nearest 24-hour emergency animal hospital, readily available. This ensures that if something does go wrong, you’ll be prepared. Knowing your pet, their vaccines, and what they got into can help with a quick and efficient diagnosis and recovery.
By following these simple “dos and don’ts,” you can ensure your Thanksgiving is a joyful and safe experience for everyone—including your pets! From all of us at Scott County Veterinary Clinic, have a happy, healthy, and safe Thanksgiving!
Have questions/concerns? Call or text us at 502-863-5548 or email us at office@scottcountyvet.com for more information.