Thanksgiving Pet Safety Tips

Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, feasts—and furry friends who may want to sneak a seat at the table! While it’s tempting to share holiday favorites with your pets, the truth is that many traditional treats and trimmings can spell trouble for their tummies. At Lincoln Hills Veterinary Hospital, we want your whole family to enjoy a safe and satisfying holiday. Here are some Thanksgiving pet safety tips to keep tails wagging and whiskers twitching.

Toxic Foods to Keep Out of Paw’s Reach

While your pets may beg for a bite of your plate, certain foods are dangerous—even deadly—for them. Chocolate is a big holiday hazard, and the darker it is, the more toxic it can be. Grapes, raisins, onions, and garlic—often hidden in holiday recipes—are also toxic foods for pets. When in doubt, don’t dish it out! Instead, keep a small stash of pet-safe snacks on hand so they can celebrate without the risk.

Fatty Foods Equal Festive Frustrations

From buttery mashed potatoes to rich gravy and cheesy casseroles, Thanksgiving is full of fatty foods. Unfortunately, these can cause upset stomachs or even trigger pancreatitis in pets. Resist those pleading puppy-dog eyes and avoid offering scraps. Instead, treat your pets to plain, cooked veggies like green beans or carrots, which are tasty, healthy, and tummy-friendly.

Turkey Bones: A Holiday No-No

The turkey may be the star of your spread, but turkey bones are dangerous for pets. Cooked bones can splinter, causing choking hazards or serious internal injuries. Even small scraps of skin or fatty drippings can upset sensitive stomachs. If you want your pets to partake, offer small pieces of plain, unseasoned turkey breast—but skip the bones and skin.

Decorations and Dangers

Thanksgiving isn’t just about the food; it’s also about the festive flair. But candles, centerpieces, and seasonal décor can be downright dangerous. Curious cats may knock over candles, and dogs might decide that gourds or faux leaves are chew toys. Keep decorations out of reach and be mindful of dangling cords or ribbons, which can tempt playful pets.

Chocolate
Chocolate is one of the biggest culprits when it comes to holiday emergencies involving toxic foods and pets. Whether it’s cookies, cake, or that famous chocolate pie, the toxic components in chocolate can cause vomiting, tremors, and severe heart issues in dogs and cats.

Xylitol 

Xylitol is a sugar substitute that is lethal to dogs. It also goes by these names: wood sugar, birch sugar and birch bark extract.

Xylitol causes a rapid and dangerous drop in blood sugar, which can lead to liver failure. Xylitol is frequently found in:

• Sugar-free gum and mints
• Many baked goods (especially those marketed as low-sugar or diabetic-friendly)
• Some peanut butters and pre-packaged desserts

Pets can sniff out even the smallest morsel, so double-check countertops, coffee tables, and trash bins before and after your holiday feast. Keep all treats—sugar or sugar-free—safely secured and out of paw’s reach!

Create a Safe Space

A Thanksgiving gathering can be overwhelming for pets. The smells, the noise, the new people, and the constant traffic in and out of the front door all combine to create a perfect storm of stress and potential danger.

The single best strategy for ensuring a happy and safe holiday for your pet is to create a designated, comfortable safe space or “pet retreat” before the guests arrive:

• Room Ideas: A spare bedroom, a quiet den, a laundry room (if it’s spacious and warm), or a securely gated portion of a home office.
• Keep it Private: Put a sign on the door asking guests not to disturb your pet. This is their private sanctuary, not a petting zoo for your guests.
• Familiar Comfort: Include your pet’s favorite bed, kennel (if they are crate-trained), and blankets. Familiar scents are incredibly soothing.
• Familiar Comfort: Include your pet’s favorite bed, kennel (if they are crate-trained), and blankets. Familiar scents are incredibly soothing.

A Safe and Satisfying Celebration

Thanksgiving is about gratitude, and what better way to show thanks for our pets than by keeping them safe? With a little planning and prevention, your pets can enjoy the holiday alongside you—without any urgent care trips to the veterinary hospital.

Please don’t hesitate to contact us at (916) 436-0006 for more pet safety tips. From our team at Lincoln Hills Veterinary Hospital, we wish you a healthy, happy, and pet-safe Thanksgiving!