Thanksgiving Foods Your Pets Shouldn't Eat (and a Few They Can)
Thanksgiving is one of my favorite days of the year. The house smells amazing, family is together, and somewhere under the table there's a pair of big, hopeful eyes waiting for something to drop.
At Furry Friends Fitness, we care for a lot of pets around Fuquay-Varina and the surrounding towns during the holidays, and every year we hear about a pup or kitty who got into something they shouldn't have. A little planning keeps the day happy for everyone, two legs and four.
Foods to keep off your pet's plate
Turkey bones, skin and fat. Cooked bones can splinter and hurt your pet's mouth, throat or stomach. The skin and fatty drippings are very rich and can lead to an upset stomach or something more serious, like pancreatitis.
Stuffing, gravy and anything with onions or garlic. Onions, garlic, leeks, shallots and chives are toxic to dogs and cats, even when cooked. They hide in stuffing, gravy, green bean casserole and seasoning blends.
Grapes and raisins. These can cause kidney damage in dogs, and even a small amount can be dangerous. Watch for them in salads, stuffing and desserts.
Chocolate and sweets. Chocolate is toxic to pets, and the darker it is, the more dangerous it is. Also watch for sugar-free treats and baked goods made with xylitol, an artificial sweetener that is very harmful to dogs.
Raw bread dough and cake batter. Raw yeast dough can rise in your pet's stomach, and batter with raw eggs can carry salmonella.
Nuts, especially macadamia nuts. These can make dogs weak and sick.
Alcohol. Even a few licks of a drink left on the coffee table can be dangerous for a small pet.
Rich, buttery or spicy dishes. Mashed potatoes loaded with butter and cream, casseroles and spicy sides can upset your pet's stomach.
A few treats that are usually okay
If you'd like your pet to join the celebration, a small amount of these plain foods is usually fine for most healthy dogs and cats:
Plain, fully cooked, boneless turkey meat (no skin, no seasoning)
Plain cooked sweet potato or plain canned pumpkin (not pie filling)
Plain green beans or carrots, with no butter or seasoning
Keep portions small. A pet's stomach is much smaller than ours, and a sudden change in diet can still cause tummy trouble. If your pet has health conditions or a special diet, check with your veterinarian first.
Simple tips for a calm holiday
Ask guests not to feed your pet from their plates. You can set out a small bowl of your pet's own treats for guests to share instead.
Take out the trash. Turkey carcasses and leftovers in the trash can are a big temptation, so keep the lid closed or take the bag outside.
Give your pet a quiet space. A houseful of people can be overwhelming. A cozy room with their bed, water and a favorite toy helps a lot.
Watch the door. With guests coming and going, it's easy for a pet to slip outside. Make sure your pet is wearing ID tags and that their microchip information is up to date.
Know who to call. Save your veterinarian's holiday hours, your closest emergency vet, and the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, (888) 426-4435, in your phone before the big day. If your pet eats something worrying, call right away. A consultation fee may apply.
Traveling for Thanksgiving?
If your plans take you out of town, let your pets enjoy the holiday at home. Our insured, background-checked pet care specialists offer drop-in visits, dog walks and overnight pet sitting, so your pets keep their routine while you enjoy time with family. Holiday dates fill up fast, so request your visits soon at furryfriendsfitness.com/book.
From all of us at Furry Friends Fitness, we're so grateful for you and your furry family. Happy Thanksgiving!
