{"id":68,"date":"2025-11-19T18:29:53","date_gmt":"2025-11-20T01:29:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.lincolnhillsvet.com\/blog\/?p=68"},"modified":"2025-11-03T18:31:53","modified_gmt":"2025-11-04T01:31:53","slug":"thanksgiving-pet-safety-tips","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lincolnhillsvet.com\/blog\/thanksgiving-pet-safety-tips\/","title":{"rendered":"Thanksgiving Pet Safety Tips"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\"Thanksgiving<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, feasts\u2014and furry friends who may want to sneak a seat at the table! While it\u2019s 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<\/a>, 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Toxic Foods to Keep Out of Paw\u2019s Reach<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

While your pets may beg for a bite of your plate, certain foods are dangerous\u2014even deadly\u2014for them. Chocolate is a big holiday hazard, and the darker it is, the more toxic it can be. Grapes, raisins, onions, and garlic\u2014often hidden in holiday recipes\u2014are also toxic foods<\/a> for pets. When in doubt, don\u2019t dish it out! Instead, keep a small stash of pet-safe snacks on hand so they can celebrate without the risk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fatty Foods Equal Festive Frustrations<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Turkey Bones: A Holiday No-No<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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\u2014but skip the bones and skin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Decorations and Dangers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Thanksgiving isn\u2019t just about the food; it\u2019s also about the festive flair. But candles, centerpieces, and seasonal d\u00e9cor can be downright dangerous. Curious cats<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Xylitol <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Xylitol is a sugar substitute that is lethal to dogs. It also goes by these names: wood sugar, birch sugar and birch bark extract.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Xylitol causes a rapid and dangerous drop in blood sugar, which can lead to liver failure. Xylitol is frequently found in:<\/p>\n\n\n\n