Gobble It Up: Thanksgiving Pet Safety for Your Furry Family Members

Turkey, dressing, fall leaves, pumpkin pie, a chill in the air…these are the elements of Thanksgiving. It’s also a time of gatherings and feasts, and your furry friend is probably pet right there with you during the festivities. Unfortunately, many pet emergencies occur around the holidays because they get into something they shouldn’t get into. 

Since we are winding our way to the holiday table, the team at Arlington Animal Hospital is here to give you some tips on Thanksgiving pet safety. By exercising caution you and your fur family can have a happy holiday indeed.

Troublesome Toxins

When it comes to your hungry hound or curious cat and people food, you can never be too careful. The problem is that many of our favorite Thanksgiving treats are poisonous or unhealthy for our pets to consume.

Take, for example, the following foods that harm pets:

• Xylitol
• Onions and garlic
• Raisins and grapes
• Macadamia nuts and walnuts
• Alcohol
• Fattening foods, like butter, gravy, cheese sauce
• Avocado
• Yeast dough
• Fruit pits

Keep in mind that pets will try and skim food out of an open trash can or compost pail, so make sure those are tightly closed. Other items that cause problems if ingested are plastic wrap, tin foil, skewers, meat bones, tin pans with drippings, and anything else that has food remnants on it. 

Fatty or greasy foods, while not toxic per se, can cause a bout of pancreatitis. Pancreatitis is a serious inflammation of the pancreas that requires immediate veterinary care.

Day-Of Disaster

Other things to be aware of this time of year are all of the plants and decorations that accompany it. Beautiful to us but not so pet friendly when your four-legged friend is involved. With all of the commotion of the day, it’s often best to leave your pet in a secure, quiet area of the home until you are done eating. 

Other recommendations for thanksgiving pet safety are:

• Opt for battery operated candlelight to avoid singed whiskers and tails.
• Amaranths, lilies, winter bulbs, and other seasonal plants can be poisonous to pets, so make sure what you get is nontoxic or choose silk arrangements.
• Guest’s bags and purses should be kept in a secure closet or room, as they might contain toxins like medication, e-cigarettes, candy, and so on.
• Make sure your pet has a current identification tag and is microchipped. Many pets become lost during the hustle and bustle of the holidays.

Thanksgiving Pet Safety

The holidays are a time of sharing love, food, and appreciation for those in our life, including our pets. It is understandable to want to include them in the day of thanks. To do so safely, just use a bit of precaution and follow the recommendations above for a Thanksgiving that truly is magical for all.
For more information on Thanksgiving pet safety, or to schedule an appointment, please contact us.