Thanksgiving is a time for gathering with family and friends, enjoying delicious food, and reflecting on what we’re grateful for. While you’re preparing for the holiday, it’s essential to keep in mind the safety of your pets. At Liberty Veterinary Hospital, we understand how tempting it can be to include your pet in the festivities, but not all Thanksgiving foods are safe for dogs and cats. With some preparation, you can ensure your pets stay safe and happy throughout the celebration.

What Foods Are Dangerous for Pets?

Before letting your pet indulge in a Thanksgiving snack, it’s important to know which foods can be harmful. Certain ingredients and holiday favorites can lead to serious health issues for pets:

  • Onions and Garlic: Both can damage your pet’s red blood cells, leading to anemia. Onions, garlic, and even related foods like chives should be kept well out of reach.
  • Cooked Bones: Poultry bones are especially dangerous as they can splinter and cause choking, intestinal blockage, or tears in the digestive tract.
  • Chocolate: A classic danger, chocolate contains theobromine, which is toxic to dogs and cats. Even small amounts can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and more severe symptoms like seizures.
  • Grapes and Raisins: Even a small quantity can lead to sudden kidney failure in dogs.
  • Alcohol: Alcoholic beverages and foods containing alcohol can lead to ethanol poisoning, causing disorientation, vomiting, and potentially coma or death.
  • Rich or Fatty Foods: Foods high in fat, such as gravies, butter-laden sides, and turkey skin, can trigger pancreatitis, a painful inflammation of the pancreas.

It’s best to keep these foods out of reach and remind guests not to sneak table scraps to your pet.

What Foods Are Safe for Pets?

While many holiday foods should be avoided, there are some treats that you can safely share with your pet:

  1. Plain, Cooked Turkey: A small piece of fully cooked, unseasoned turkey (with no skin or bones) provides a great source of protein. Turkey meat alone is fine, but avoid seasoning, oils, or gravies.
  2. Steamed Vegetables: Plain carrots, peas, green beans, and sweet potatoes (without butter or seasoning) can be healthy treats for pets.
  3. Pumpkin: Pure, unsweetened canned pumpkin is excellent for digestion. Avoid pumpkin pie filling, as it usually contains added sugars and spices.
  4. Apples: Sliced apples without seeds make a tasty and safe snack.

Ensure that these foods are prepared plainly and given in moderation to avoid upsetting your pet’s stomach.

Tips to Prevent Holiday Pet Emergencies

Thanksgiving gatherings can bring unexpected hazards for pets. Keep these tips in mind to avoid common holiday-related emergencies:

  • Secure Trash Cans: Turkey bones, food scraps, and other leftovers tossed in the trash can be too tempting for pets. Make sure trash cans are secured with a lid or kept out of reach.
  • Create a Safe Pet Zone: With a bustling household, pets can become stressed. Set up a quiet room or space where your pet can retreat and relax, away from the crowd and noise.
  • Avoid Table Scraps: Even small amounts of rich foods can lead to digestive upset or worse. Instead, keep pet-safe treats on hand so they can still enjoy a little holiday cheer.

A pre-Thanksgiving check-up can also help ensure that your pet is in good health to handle the excitement. Schedule a wellness visit at Liberty Veterinary Hospital before the holiday.

How to Handle Pet Emergencies

Despite best efforts, holiday emergencies can still happen. Knowing what to do if your pet eats something harmful can make a big difference in their outcome:

  • Call Your Veterinarian Immediately: If your pet shows signs of distress such as vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or seizures, contact your veterinarian or an emergency clinic right away.
  • Recognize Symptoms of Toxicity: Beyond the usual vomiting and diarrhea, other signs of poisoning may include excessive thirst, panting, tremors, unsteady movement, or pale gums.

For guidance on when to seek emergency care, refer to our emergency pet care guide. It’s essential to act quickly if your pet shows unusual symptoms.

How Liberty Veterinary Hospital Can Help

At Liberty Veterinary Hospital, we offer both emergency and preventive care, providing peace of mind during the busy holiday season. Our veterinarians are available to help you manage your pet’s health, from routine check-ups to unexpected emergencies. We are here to provide compassionate and professional care when your pet needs it most. Schedule a wellness check before Thanksgiving to ensure your pet is healthy and ready for the holiday festivities. Visit our website here or call us directly to book an appointment.

For additional pet safety advice, you may find these resources helpful: the AVMA’s Thanksgiving pet safety guide and the ASPCA’s pet safety page.

Enjoy Thanksgiving Safely with Your Pets

Thanksgiving can be a joyful time for you and your pets with a bit of planning and some knowledge of what’s safe and what’s not. By following these guidelines, you can enjoy the holiday while keeping your pets safe from common hazards. At Liberty Veterinary Hospital, we’re here to support you in keeping your pets healthy and happy—not only during Thanksgiving but all year round.

Schedule a pre-Thanksgiving wellness check for your pet today at Liberty Veterinary Hospital! Contact us or call to book your appointment. We look forward to helping you ensure a safe, enjoyable holiday for both you and your pet!