Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, and of course, delicious food. As we gather around the table to enjoy the holiday feast, it’s important to remember that our pets are part of the family too. While they might be eager to join in the celebration, not all Thanksgiving treats are safe for your furry friends. To help keep your pets healthy and happy this holiday season, we’ve put together some essential Thanksgiving safety tips.
1. Keep the Turkey Out of Reach
Turkey is the star of the Thanksgiving dinner, but it can pose risks for pets. While small amounts of cooked turkey meat are generally safe, make sure it's unseasoned and free of bones. Turkey bones can splinter and cause choking, internal blockages, or injuries to your pet’s digestive system. Also, avoid giving your pet any turkey skin, as it can be high in fat and lead to pancreatitis.
2. Watch Out for Toxic Foods
Many traditional Thanksgiving dishes contain ingredients that are toxic to pets. Common culprits include:
- Onions and Garlic: Found in stuffing, gravies, and seasoning mixes, these can cause serious damage to your pet’s red blood cells.
- Grapes and Raisins: Often used in salads or desserts, grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure in dogs.
- Chocolate and Sweets: While we love our pies and treats, chocolate, and xylitol (a sweetener used in sugar-free foods) are highly toxic to pets.
Keep these foods out of your pet’s reach and make sure guests know not to feed them to your furry friend.
3. Beware of Rich and Fatty Foods
Thanksgiving meals tend to be rich in butter, oils, and fats, which can upset your pet’s stomach or even lead to pancreatitis—a potentially life-threatening condition. Avoid feeding your pets table scraps like buttery mashed potatoes, gravy, or anything fried.
4. Keep an Eye on Alcohol and Caffeine
It may seem harmless, but alcohol and caffeine are dangerous for pets. Even small amounts of alcohol can cause vomiting, diarrhea, coordination problems, and in severe cases, respiratory failure. Caffeinated drinks like coffee, tea, or soda can lead to hyperactivity, rapid heart rate, and seizures in pets. Make sure to keep these beverages away from your pets.
5. Pet-Friendly Treats
While your pet may not be able to enjoy your Thanksgiving meal, you can still give them a holiday treat. Offer them pet-safe snacks like Health Extension’s Gently Cooked Dog Food or nutritious treats packed with natural ingredients. Our products are made to support your pet’s health and digestion, ensuring they stay happy and healthy even during the holidays.
6. Monitor Stress and Anxiety
Thanksgiving can be a hectic day, with guests coming and going and lots of noise. This can be overwhelming for some pets, leading to stress or anxiety. Create a quiet, comfortable space for your pet to retreat to if they need some time away from the action. Keep their favorite toys, a cozy bed, and fresh water available to help them relax.
7. Secure Trash and Leftovers
After the meal, be sure to properly dispose of leftovers and trash. Curious pets may try to dig through garbage bags for scraps, but this can lead to ingestion of harmful items like bones, food packaging, or aluminum foil. Make sure trash is securely closed and out of your pet’s reach.
8. Holiday Decorations
Thanksgiving often involves festive décor, such as candles, flowers, and centerpieces. Be cautious with these decorations if you have pets. Lit candles can be easily knocked over by a curious cat or dog, and some seasonal flowers like lilies and chrysanthemums are toxic if ingested.
9. Have a Pet Emergency Plan
Even with the best precautions, accidents can happen. Make sure you know the location of the nearest emergency vet and have their contact information readily available. If you suspect your pet has eaten something harmful, contact your vet immediately.
Conclusion
This Thanksgiving, let’s make sure our pets stay safe and enjoy the holiday alongside us. By following these simple safety tips, you can prevent accidents and ensure a stress-free, pet-friendly celebration. Don’t forget to include your pet in the holiday fun with safe, healthy treats from Health Extension. Our range of premium pet foods and treats is made with high-quality ingredients to support your furry friend’s well-being, no matter the occasion.
Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at Health Extension!
