Thanksgiving brings family, food, and celebration, but it can also bring unexpected risks for pets. Tempting table scraps, visiting guests, and changes in routine make a little planning especially helpful.
Holiday Foods That Pose a Risk
Turkey skin, fatty meats, gravy, and butter can cause digestive upset or pancreatitis. Onions, garlic, and certain seasonings are toxic to pets. Desserts may contain chocolate or xylitol, which can be life-threatening.
Dr. Coleman reminds families to keep cooked turkey bones away from pets. Bones can splinter and cause choking, blockages, or internal injuries. Dogs are also quick to investigate the trash, so dispose of bones immediately in a secure, covered trash can, preferably outside and always beyond your pets’ reach.
“Holiday foods are one of the most common causes of emergency visits around Thanksgiving,” says Dr. Torres of Case Veterinary Hospital. “Well-meaning sharing often leads to serious consequences.”
Managing Guests and Routine Disruptions
Visitors can be stressful for pets, especially those sensitive to noise or unfamiliar people. Dr. Rines recommends giving pets a quiet, secure place to retreat when the house gets busy. Keeping their usual feeding and walking schedules can also help.
With guests coming and going, Dr. Crider urges families to watch open doors and dropped food. A pet can slip outside or grab a scrap before anyone notices.
Signs to Watch For
Vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, abdominal pain, or sudden behavior changes after a holiday meal deserve prompt attention. If you suspect your pet ate something unsafe, contact a veterinarian rather than waiting for symptoms to appear.
Planning Ahead for a Safe Holiday
Dr. Carla Case-McCorvey encourages families to include pets in their holiday plans: let guests know pets should not receive table scraps, keep food and trash out of reach, and check that doors are secure as people arrive and leave.
Traveling for Thanksgiving or Christmas? Reserve your pet’s holiday boarding stay at Case Veterinary Hospital now—spaces fill quickly! Ask our team about our new KONG enrichment program for boarding dogs. It offers eligible dogs an engaging activity during their stay, with filling options chosen around their dietary needs.
A few simple precautions can help keep Thanksgiving a time of gratitude for the whole family, pets included.
VET TIP: Ask guests not to share food with pets. Even a small “treat” can make a pet sick.
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