Tomorrow, millions of Americans are planning to gather with friends and family over a delicious meal to give thanks. And it can be tempting to everyone at your dinner table to sneak the pets a taste of one of the most delicious meals of the year. However, it is important to remember that dangers lurk throughout your Thanksgiving feast that could be harmful to your furry family members.
When planning your meal for the holiday, make sure you keep your pets away from the following foods:
Turkey: Avoid giving your pet any turkey meat and never give them any leftover bones. Bones are a choking hazard for all animals, and they can also splinter inside your pet’s digestive tract.
Desserts: It is widely known that chocolate is a toxic ingredient for both dogs and cats. But other common Thanksgiving dessert ingredients – including raisins and the sugar-substitute Xylitol – can also be dangerous.
Garlic, onion, leeks, and chives: The dangers of these ingredients aren’t as widely known, but can still cause major health issues for your pet as they can cause destruction of their red blood cells.
To avoid canceling your holiday plans on account of an emergency trip to the veterinarian, it’s best to keep all of these foods out of reach, and out of the stomachs of your beloved pets. However, if you don’t want to leave your pet out of the holiday celebration, there are still plenty of Thanksgiving staples in which pets can partake. Raw fruits and vegetables, such as small portions of baby carrots, green beans, apples, chunks of sweet potato, or pumpkin puree are great, pet-friendly options – just be sure to steer clear of grapes. If you choose to feed them pumpkin puree, make sure it’s not the sweetened, spiced pie filling.
“The best way to celebrate thanksgiving with your animals is to feed them safe foods, specially prepared and approved for their species,” says Larimer Humane Society Supervising Veterinarian Dr. Lindsey Gapstur.
If you feel like your pet has ingested something that is harmful to their health, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Hotline is a resource you can use 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. They can be reached at (888) 426-4435.
By practicing these Thanksgiving pet safety tips, you and your pet can enjoy a safe and healthy holiday!
