Thanksgiving means a full table, a full house, and at least one pair of hopeful eyes watching every plate. Sharing a little holiday food with your pet can be a sweet tradition, as long as you know which dishes are safe and which ones send pets to the emergency vet every November. Here is a simple guide.
Safe to share, in small amounts
Plain, cooked turkey meat is the star of the show. A few bites of skinless, boneless, unseasoned white meat is a fine treat for most dogs and cats. Plain green beans, carrots, and a spoonful of plain pumpkin puree are also pet-friendly.
Keep portions small. Even safe foods can upset a stomach that is not used to rich holiday meals, and treats should stay a small part of your pet's day.
Keep these off the floor
Cooked bones are the biggest danger on the table. Turkey and chicken bones splinter easily and can cause choking or serious internal injuries, so they go straight into a secure trash can, never into a bowl.
Onions, garlic, and chives are toxic to both dogs and cats, which rules out most stuffing, gravy, and casseroles. Grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure in dogs, so keep the fruit platter and any breads with raisins out of reach.
Chocolate and anything sweetened with xylitol (often found in sugar-free desserts and peanut butter) are dangerous for dogs. Rich, fatty foods like gravy, butter-heavy sides, and turkey skin can trigger pancreatitis, a painful condition that often means an emergency visit.
Watch the trash and the guests
More pets get into trouble from the trash can than from the table. Use a lid or keep the bin behind a closed door, especially once the turkey carcass and string go in.
Let guests know the house rules before dinner starts. A kind uncle slipping scraps under the table can undo all your planning, and a shy cat or dog may appreciate a quiet room with water and a bed away from the crowd.
If something goes wrong
If your pet eats something they should not have, call your veterinarian or an emergency clinic right away, even if they seem fine. Quick action makes a real difference with toxins like xylitol, grapes, and cooked bones.
Save your nearest emergency clinic's number in your phone before the holiday, since many regular vet offices close for Thanksgiving. A little planning keeps the holiday happy for everyone at the table, including the four-legged family members under it.
Give an animal a second chance
There are so many animals who still need a safe place to land. Whether you’re ready to adopt, open your home as a foster, or simply want to support our work, there’s a way to help.