Thanksgiving Safety Tips for Your Pets

Thanksgiving is a time for gathering with family and friends, enjoying delicious meals, and reflecting on everything we’re grateful for—including our beloved pets. While the holiday season is a time of celebration, it also brings a few potential hazards for our furry companions. With extra people in the house, tempting foods on the table, and festive decorations, it's important to ensure your pets are safe and stress-free during the Thanksgiving festivities.

Here are some essential Thanksgiving safety tips for your pets to ensure that everyone—two-legged and four-legged alike—has a happy and healthy holiday!

1. Watch Out for Dangerous Foods

Thanksgiving is full of rich and flavorful foods, but many of the dishes we enjoy can be harmful—or even toxic—to pets. It’s tempting to share a bite of turkey or let your pet taste a small piece of dessert, but not all human food is safe for them.

Here’s a list of common Thanksgiving foods to avoid:

• Turkey Bones and Skin: Cooked bones can splinter and cause choking or digestive blockages, while turkey skin can be too fatty and lead to pancreatitis.
• Stuffing: Ingredients like onions, garlic, and certain herbs (like sage) are toxic to pets and should be kept out of reach.
• Gravy and Fatty Foods: Gravy, butter, and high-fat dishes can upset your pet’s stomach and cause more serious issues like pancreatitis.
• Desserts with Chocolate or Xylitol: Chocolate and artificial sweeteners (like xylitol) are extremely toxic to dogs and cats and should be kept far away from them.
• Alcohol: Even small amounts of alcohol can be very dangerous for pets, leading to serious health problems.

2. Create a Pet-Friendly Menu

If you want your pets to join in the Thanksgiving fun, prepare a special pet-friendly dish or set aside a small portion of plain, cooked turkey without skin, seasoning, or bones. You can also give them a side of plain vegetables, like green beans, sweet potatoes (no marshmallows!), or carrots.

There are also plenty of healthy treats made just for pets that you can serve up during your Thanksgiving meal. If you’re not sure what’s safe, you can consult your veterinarian for suggestions.

3. Keep an Eye on Decorations

Thanksgiving decorations add a festive touch to your home, but some can be risky for pets. While you’re preparing your home for the holiday, make sure to check that decorations are pet-safe.

• Candles: Candles can easily be knocked over by a curious pet. Use flameless candles or place them out of reach to avoid accidents.
• Pumpkins and Corn: While these are non-toxic, they can cause gastrointestinal upset if ingested in large amounts. Be cautious of pets nibbling on decorative gourds or dried corn.
• Plants and Flowers: Some plants, like lilies or poinsettias, are toxic to pets. If you’re decorating with seasonal plants, make sure to choose pet-safe options or keep toxic plants out of reach.

4. Create a Quiet Space for Your Pet

Thanksgiving often means a house full of guests, which can be overwhelming for some pets, especially if they’re shy or anxious. Give your pet a quiet, safe space where they can retreat if the noise and activity become too much. Set up their bed or crate in a separate room with some of their favorite toys, blankets, and water, so they can relax away from the commotion. For particularly anxious pets, consult your vet for additional ways to reduce stress.

5. Be Cautious with Doorways and Exits

With guests coming in and out of the house, doors are likely to be open more often, which increases the chances of pets slipping outside unnoticed. Make sure your pets are in a secure space before guests arrive, and remind everyone to be mindful of doors when entering and exiting.

It’s also a good idea to check that your pet’s ID tags and microchip information are up to date in case they do happen to make an escape.

6. Monitor Table Scraps

Well-meaning guests may be tempted to slip your pet some table scraps under the table, but as mentioned earlier, not all Thanksgiving foods are safe for pets. Politely remind your guests to avoid giving your pets anything from their plates, or leave out pet-safe treats that guests can give instead.

If you plan to leave food unattended on the table, be sure it’s out of reach from curious pets who may be tempted to jump up and sneak a bite while you’re not looking. It’s better to avoid leaving food within paw’s reach altogether.

7. Be Prepared for Emergencies

Even with the best preparation, accidents can happen. It’s important to have a plan in place in case your pet ingests something they shouldn’t or experiences a health issue during the holiday. Keep the phone number of your local emergency veterinarian or animal poison control hotline handy.

The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center is available 24/7 at (888) 426-4435 and can offer guidance if you’re worried your pet has eaten something toxic.

Conclusion

Thanksgiving is a time for family, gratitude, and celebration, and with a little extra care, your pets can safely enjoy the holiday too. By keeping dangerous foods and decorations out of reach, creating a comfortable space for your pet, and ensuring they’re safe around guests, you can make this Thanksgiving a stress-free and fun experience for your furry companions.

Take a few precautions, and your pets will be wagging their tails (or purring in contentment) right along with you as you give thanks for their companionship and love this holiday season.