The More, The Merrier? Keeping Pets Safe During Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is a wonderful time to celebrate with loved ones—but not all pets enjoy the extra noise, visitors, and activity. Some pets may become stressed, anxious, or may even try to slip out an open door during the holiday hustle.
To help keep your pet safe and comfortable:
- Provide a quiet, secure space where they can relax away from guests
- Use baby gates, crates, or closed rooms to prevent accidental escapes
- Ensure your pet is microchipped, and keep collars and ID tags on during gatherings
A few small steps can prevent big emergencies!
Thanksgiving Foods: What’s Safe and What’s Not
The holiday table is full of delicious treats—but many traditional Thanksgiving foods can be dangerous for pets. Here’s a quick guide:
Unsafe Foods
Bones (especially cooked bones)
Brittle bones can splinter, causing choking, intestinal blockages, or perforations.
High-fat foods
Gravy, turkey skin, buttery mashed potatoes, and heavy sauces can trigger pancreatitis, a painful and potentially life-threatening condition.
Onions & Garlic
Members of the Allium family contain compounds that damage red blood cells, causing anemia in dogs and cats.
Grapes & Raisins
Common in some stuffing recipes. Even small amounts may cause acute kidney failure.
Bread Dough
Yeast can expand in the stomach and produce alcohol—leading to bloating, vomiting, disorientation, and respiratory distress.
Alcohol
Even tiny amounts can cause vomiting, difficulty breathing, tremors, or seizures.
Chocolate
Contains theobromine, which affects the heart and nervous system. Dark chocolate is the most dangerous. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, rapid heart rate, and seizures.
Xylitol (Birch Sugar)
Found in sugar-free desserts, gum, and some peanut butter. Causes dangerously low blood sugar, seizures, and liver failure.
Safe Foods (in moderation)
Even “safe” foods can cause problems if too much is given.
Sweet potatoes (1–2 tbsp, cooked, plain)
Carrots
Apples (no seeds or core)
Unseasoned turkey meat (no skin, fat, or bones)
Unseasoned green beans
Pumpkin (plain canned or cooked)
If You Suspect Poisoning
Call Pet Poison Control: (888) 426-4435 immediately and notify your veterinarian.
Time matters—don’t wait to see if symptoms improve.
Prevention Is Key
The best emergencies are the ones that never happen. A simple way to avoid food-related accidents is to secure the trash. The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) recommends using locking trash cans to prevent pets from accessing harmful leftovers.