Thanksgiving is a time for families to gather and enjoy a feast, celebrating the blessings of the past year. While it’s a joyous occasion, it’s also a time to ensure the safety of all family members, including our pets. At Animal Urgent Care of Oconomowoc, we are dedicated to keeping your pets healthy and safe during the holiday season. In this article, we’ll guide you through what foods are safe for your pets and what to avoid, ensuring a happy and healthy Thanksgiving for everyone.

Thanksgiving Foods That Are Safe for Pets

During Thanksgiving, you can share some of the festive foods with your pets, but it’s important to know which ones are safe. Here are a few pet-friendly options:

  • Turkey Meat: Plain turkey meat, without skin or seasoning, can be a great treat for your pet. Ensure it’s well-cooked and boneless.
  • Certain Vegetables: Plain carrots, green beans, and peas are nutritious options that pets typically enjoy. These should be cooked without any added oils or seasonings.
  • Plain Potatoes: Both sweet potatoes and regular potatoes are safe for pets when served plain and cooked without butter, sour cream, or spices.

For more detailed tips on healthy feeding and staying fit to shed any Thanksgiving pounds, check out our guide on Robust Rover & Fit Feline: 10 Tips to Keep Your Pet Healthy.

Foods to Avoid to Keep Your Pets Safe

While some Thanksgiving foods are safe for pets, others pose significant risks. Here’s what to keep away from your pets:

  • Onions and Garlic: These can cause gastrointestinal irritation and could lead to red blood cell damage.
  • Chocolate: Especially dark chocolate, is well known to be toxic to both dogs and cats.
  • Bones: Turkey bones can splinter and cause choking or serious damage to your pet’s digestive tract.
  • Alcohol: Even small amounts of alcohol, particularly in desserts or beverages, can be dangerous.

If your pet ingests any of these, they might exhibit symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or more serious signs. Learn about these indicators in our article Me-Ouch! 7 Indicators of Pain in Pets.

Handling a Food-Related Pet Emergency

If your pet consumes something toxic, it’s crucial to act quickly:

  1. Remove any remaining hazardous food to prevent further ingestion.
  2. Contact a veterinarian immediately—you can reach us during holiday evenings at our new overnight urgent care hours.You can also call the Pet Poison Helpline to ask if something is toxic or dangerous. 
  3. Do not attempt to induce vomiting unless instructed by a professional.

Knowing when it’s time to seek urgent care can save your pet’s life. Read more about this in our article Veterinary Visit Vital Signs: Understanding When Your Pet Requires Urgent Care.

Preventative Measures During Holidays

Prevention is the best way to ensure your pet’s safety during Thanksgiving:

  • Keep food out of reach: Ensure all Thanksgiving food is kept away from your pet’s reach.
  • Secure trash bins: A secure lid will keep your pet from rummaging through garbage that could contain harmful food scraps.
  • Supervise your pets: With guests around, doors may be inadvertently left open, so keep a close eye on your pets.

For tips on other holiday pet safety, see our July Fourth Pet Safety: Do’s and Don’ts.

Conclusion

Thanksgiving is a special time for joy and gratitude, and by keeping your pets safe, you ensure that everyone has a happy holiday. If you have any concerns or face an emergency with your pet, do not hesitate to contact us. We are here to help at Animal Urgent Care of Oconomowoc. For more information or to get in touch, visit our Contact page. Let’s make this Thanksgiving a safe one for all family members, including our pets!