Thanksgiving Safety Tips for Pets

Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude, and for many of us, our pets are at the top of that list. As the aroma of roasting turkey (or Tofurky!) fills the air and loved ones gather around the table, it's easy to get caught up in the holiday excitement. But amidst the festivities, keeping our furry family members safe and comfortable is important.

Whether you're hosting a grand feast, stopping by a small Friendsgiving get-together, or traveling to join relatives, these tips will help ensure that your four-legged friends have a happy and healthy Thanksgiving, too.

Food Safety First

While sharing your Thanksgiving feast with your pets can be tempting, not all holiday foods are safe for them. Here are some guidelines to follow:

• Turkey: While a small amount of plain, well-cooked, boneless turkey is generally safe, it's best to avoid giving your pet any turkey prepared for the holiday meal. Thanksgiving turkeys often contain ingredients harmful to pets, such as butter (risk of pancreatitis), deep-frying oils (risk of pancreatitis), or seasonings with garlic or onion (toxic to pets). Keep the turkey carcass and bones out of reach, as they can cause choking or internal injuries.
• Side Dishes: Seemingly basic Thanksgiving sides can contain ingredients that are harmful to pets. Onions and garlic, common in stuffing and other dishes, can be toxic. Fatty foods like gravy can cause digestive issues and may lead to pancreatitis, a serious and potentially life-threatening inflammation of the pancreas.
• Desserts: Keep all sweets away from your pets, especially those containing chocolate, artificial sweeteners like xylitol, or raisins, all of which can be toxic or even fatal to animals. Be aware that raisins may appear not only in desserts but also in stuffing and some side dishes. It's safest to ensure your pets have no access to any human desserts or dishes containing these ingredients.
• Bread Dough: Raw dough poses multiple dangers to pets. Not only can it continue to rise in your pet's stomach, causing dangerous bloating, but the yeast in the dough can also ferment, producing alcohol. This can lead to alcohol poisoning and potentially life-threatening metabolic acidosis. Keep all raw dough safely out of your pet's reach.

Pay close attention to pre-prepared meals and recipes to identify harmful ingredients. These may not be so obvious at a quick glance—especially if you didn’t prepare the meal yourself. For a longer list of foods to avoid, check out our guide on foods dogs can't eat and ingredients harmful to cats.

If you want to include your pet in the celebration, consider preparing a small plate with pet-safe Thanksgiving foods. A bit of plain turkey, some green beans, and a dollop of plain pumpkin (not pie filling) can make a festive and safe pet meal.

Creating a Safe Environment

With all the holiday hustle and bustle, it's easy for pets to get overwhelmed or into mischief. And if you’re a guest at a home without cats or dogs, chances are good that your host doesn’t have a fully pet-proofed home.

Here are a few ways you can create a safe and comfortable environment for your furry friends during Thanksgiving.

Secure Decorations

Thanksgiving decorations can add a festive touch to your home but can also pose risks to curious pets. Keep an eye on decorative items like candles, potpourri, and certain plants. Lit candles can be knocked over, causing burns or fires, while scented items like potpourri can be toxic if ingested.

Some popular holiday plants can be harmful to pets, such as chrysanthemums. Consider pet-safe alternatives or take care to place decorations out of your pet's reach.

Keep Pets Out of the Kitchen

Thanksgiving often means a bustling kitchen with sharp knives, hot appliances, and tempting aromas—but it's important to keep your pets out of this high-risk area. A curious pet could accidentally come into contact with a hot stove, deep fryer, or grill, leading to serious burns or injuries.

Set up a pet-friendly zone away from the kitchen where they can relax safely while you prepare the feast—more on that below.

Manage the Trash

The delicious smells of Thanksgiving trash can be irresistible to pets, but it's full of potential hazards. Bones, fatty food scraps, and packaging materials can all cause problems if ingested. Make sure your garbage is secure and out of reach. Consider using a trash can with a tight-fitting lid or placing it in a closed pantry or garage until it can be disposed of properly.

Create a Quiet Retreat

Even the most social pets can feel overwhelmed with guests coming and going. Set up a quiet room or area where your pet can retreat if they feel stressed. Include their bed, favorite toys, and fresh water. Let your guests know this area is off-limits, ensuring your pet has a safe space to relax when the celebration becomes too much.

Traveling with Pets

If you're hitting the road this Thanksgiving, plan ahead for pet-friendly travel. Start with a visit to your vet to ensure your pet is healthy and up to date on vaccinations. This is especially important if you're crossing state lines, as some areas have specific health certificate requirements.

Make sure your pet has proper ID tags, and consider microchipping if you haven't already. Bring familiar items like beds, toys, or blankets to help your pet feel at ease in new environments. Finally, if you're staying with family or at a hotel, call ahead to confirm their pet policies.

Be Prepared for Emergencies

Despite our best efforts, accidents can happen, but preparation can make all the difference in an emergency. Keep your vet's contact information easily accessible and know the location of the nearest 24-hour emergency vet clinic.

Having a basic pet first-aid kit on hand is also a good idea. This should include items like gauze, non-stick bandages, pet-safe antiseptic wipes, and any medications your pet regularly takes. Don’t forget to familiarize yourself with the signs of common pet emergencies, such as choking or poisoning. Quick action can be lifesaving in these situations.

Celebrating Safely with Your Furry Family

Remember, the spirit of Thanksgiving is about appreciating what we have. For many of us, our pets are one of life's greatest blessings. Including them safely in our celebrations is a wonderful way to show our gratitude for the joy and companionship they bring to our lives every day. As you carve the turkey and pass the stuffing, take a moment to give your furry friend an extra pat or a special treat.

With a bit of planning and care, you can create lasting holiday memories that celebrate all members of your family, including those with whiskers and a tail. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your pets!

_{An ASPCA® Pet Health Insurance plan can help you with eligible costs for covered conditions like surgery expenses for accidents and help provide peace of mind that your pet can receive the care they need. Check out our online resources to learn more about your insurance options and get a free quote today. The information presented in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute or substitute for the advice of your veterinarian.}

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