7 Thanksgiving Foods to Keep Away From Your Pets

Thanksgiving is a feast for the senses, but for our pets, the abundance of rich foods and holiday chaos can quickly turn into a trip to the emergency vet. As your trusted partner in Durham, we want to ensure your celebration stays safe and joyful. The key to a pet-safe Thanksgiving is recognizing the most dangerous holiday items and knowing exactly what to do if an accident occurs. Here are 7 Thanksgiving foods to keep away from your pets.

7 Thanksgiving Foods to Keep Away From Your Pets

Keep these 7 common Thanksgiving foods strictly out of paws’ reach:

1. Onions, Garlic, and Chives (Alliums): These are common flavor enhancers in stuffing, mashed potatoes, and gravy. All members of the Allium family are toxic to both dogs and cats, damaging red blood cells and potentially leading to anemia.
2. Grapes and Raisins: These silent killers are often found in stuffing, salads, and baked goods. Even small amounts can cause sudden, acute kidney failure in dogs.
3. Chocolate: If you have cocoa powder, dark chocolate desserts, or even chocolate-covered coffee beans around, be vigilant. The toxic substance, Theobromine, can cause vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, and heart problems.
4. Xylitol (also referred to as Birch Sugar): This artificial sweetener is extremely toxic to dogs and is often found in sugar-free baked goods, peanut butter, chewing gum, toothpaste, and other dental care products. It causes a rapid drop in blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and liver failure.
5. Excessive Fat (Turkey Skin & Gravy): The high-fat content in turkey skin, drippings, and butter-laden dishes can trigger a painful condition called pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas). Stick to lean, plain turkey meat only.
6. Cooked Bones: Never give your pet cooked turkey bones. They become brittle and can splinter, causing choking, or severe damage/perforations to the esophagus and intestines.
7. Uncooked Yeast Dough: If you are baking fresh bread or rolls, keep the rising dough away from your pet. When ingested, the warm, moist environment of the stomach causes the dough to continue rising, potentially leading to a painful, life-threatening bloat. It also produces alcohol as it ferments, which can lead to alcohol poisoning.

Saying ‘No’ to Table Scraps

Sometimes it’s hard to get guests to agree to a no-table-scrap policy. To prevent any issues, consider sending guests a note before their arrival that explains that your pet is sensitive to new foods and asks them to stick to species-appropriate snacks only. Or, set up a little “barkcuterie” or “meowcuterie” board for your pet(s), directing your guests to those pet-safe snacks instead of what’s on their plate.

Last week, we shared a blog about pet obesity and diabetes risk. Reduce your pet’s calories at feeding time if you or your guests overdo the treats. Nobody enjoys being so full that their belly feels like it might explode, not even the hungriest Labrador!

Beyond the Plate: Other Holiday Dangers

A safe holiday isn’t just about food; it’s also about the environment.

• Trash: Secure all leftovers and the turkey carcass immediately! The trash can containing fatty scraps, bones, and other ingredients is a prime target for a curious pet. Use a trash can with a secure, locking lid and quickly pick up after guests.
• Decorations: Keep festive items like tinsel and flocking on Christmas trees (especially dangerous for cats), electrical cords, toxic seasonal plants and flowers, and glass ornaments out of reach. Ingesting parts of these can lead to choking or intestinal blockage.
• Crowds & Stress: The flurry of guests and noise can cause immense stress. Ensure your pet has a quiet, cozy, and safe space to retreat to until the party is over. A fellow pet sitter, Caméa Allen, who runs Hearts at Home Pet Sitting in VA, shared a very helpful post about what your safe space should look like. Check it out here.

The Emergency Protocol: Act Fast

If you suspect your pet has eaten something toxic, do not wait for symptoms to appear. Time is critical.

1. First, Stay Calm: The sooner you act, the better the prognosis, but take a breath and gather your info to ensure you’re maximizing the time you have.
2. Call Poison Control: Contact the Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661) or ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435). These organizations have veterinary toxicologists on staff 24/7. There is a fee for their consultation; therefore, have a credit or debit card handy. It’s worth every penny to get their expert opinion!
3. Provide Details: Tell the professional exactly what your pet ate, the approximate amount, and when it happened. They will use this information to determine the next steps.
4. Do NOT Induce Vomiting: Unless specifically instructed to do so by a veterinary professional, inducing vomiting can cause more harm.
5. Follow Instructions: Do whatever you’re instructed to do by the Pet Poison Helpline or Animal Poison Control immediately. If you’re instructed to transport your pet to an emergency vet, call the vet before you head there to ensure they are open and accepting patients. Especially over the holidays, emergency veterinary clinics can be backed up. Yet, your pet will need to be seen asap.

Thanksgiving Fun for Everyone

Enjoy a wonderful, safe Thanksgiving!