Thanksgiving Do’s and Don’ts for Pet Owners
Thanksgiving should be all about gathering with family, enjoying good food, and sneaking an extra slice of pie. While your pet may be begging for a seat at the table, many Thanksgiving traditions can cause unexpected problems for dogs and cats.
Before the festivities begin, keep these Thanksgiving do’s and don’ts in mind to keep your pet out of urgent care or the emergency hospital, and posing for the family photo instead.
DO plan ahead for holiday travel with your pet
If your Thanksgiving celebration involves a trip, whether by car or plane, prepare your pet’s supplies ahead of time. Pack enough of their normal food and medications for the trip, along with water, bowls, leashes, waste bags, bedding, and any comfort items they may need. Keep pets safely restrained using an appropriate carrier or seat restraint. Obtain the necessary vaccinations, health certificates, and other documents required by your airline and/or your travel destination. If your pet won’t be making the trip with you, plan for a trusted pet sitter or reputable boarding facility in your area.
DON’T let your pet indulge in your feast
Those pleading eyes can be hard to resist, but sharing your plate may result in more than a little post-dinner regret. Rich, fatty foods such as turkey skin, gravy, butter, cheesy potatoes, and casseroles can cause digestive upset and may contribute to pancreatitis in some pets.
Other Thanksgiving staples may contain potentially harmful ingredients, including onions, garlic, grapes, raisins, chocolate, alcohol, or xylitol. Turkey bones are also off the menu. Cooked bones can splinter or break into pieces that pose a choking risk or cause gastrointestinal injury or obstruction.
Once dinner is over, promptly put away leftovers and secure the trash. Bones, baking string, food scraps, foil, plastic wrap, and other discarded items can be irresistible to curious pets.
DO give your pet a Thanksgiving treat of their own
Your pet doesn’t have to miss out on all the Thanksgiving fun. Set aside a small portion of pet-safe foods before adding seasonings, butter, sauces, or other ingredients.
Examples of pet-safe foods include:
- A few bites of plain, boneless turkey breast
- Plain steamed pumpkin, carrots, or sweet potato
- Plain cooked green beans
Keep portions small, especially if your pet isn’t used to eating human food. You can also skip the table food altogether and offer a favorite treat, food puzzle, or pet-safe snack while everyone else eats.
DON’T overlook the hazards of festive decor
Seasonal decorations can attract curious noses and paws. Candles can cause burns or be knocked over, while electrical cords may pose a risk to pets who like to chew. Decorative items can also become foreign bodies if swallowed. Keep ribbons, string, small decorations, and other tempting objects out of reach, particularly around pets known to eat things they shouldn’t. Several festive plants, including lilies, hydrangeas, and autumn crocuses, can also cause toxicity and should be kept out of your pet’s reach.
Before guests arrive, take a quick look around your home from your pet’s perspective and move tempting or potentially dangerous decorations somewhere safer.
DO give your pet a safe space to relax
Some pets happily work the room at family gatherings, while others would rather skip the socializing altogether. Give your pet access to a quiet area away from guests where they can rest undisturbed. Include familiar comforts such as their bed, water bowl, toys, or favorite blanket. Pets who become anxious or overly excited around visitors may be more comfortable staying in this space throughout the gathering.
Keep an eye on exterior doors as guests arrive and leave. A busy entryway can give even a normally well-behaved pet an opportunity to slip outside unnoticed.
DON’T forget to update your pet’s microchip and ID tags
Whether you’re traveling or hosting a house full of guests, Thanksgiving can create extra opportunities for pets to get lost. Make sure your pet wears an ID tag with your current phone number, and confirm their microchip registration has up-to-date contact information, in case of accidental escape. A microchip can only help reunite you with your pet if the registry can reliably reach you. Keep a recent photo of your pet on your phone as an additional precaution, especially while hosting or traveling.
DO recognize when your pet needs help
Not every stolen bite of Thanksgiving dinner requires an urgent care visit, but some holiday mishaps shouldn’t wait. Seek veterinary guidance if your pet eats a potentially toxic food or plant, or develops concerning signs such as repeated vomiting or diarrhea, abdominal pain, or lethargy.
If your pet gets into something they shouldn’t or becomes sick during the holiday, Animal Urgent Care of Bentonville is here to help. A few precautions—and knowing when to seek care—can help keep Thanksgiving focused on family, food, and making happy memories together.