Thanksgiving is a time for the entire family to get together and celebrate their gratitude throughout the year. If you’re a pet parent, that means getting the furry family together, too. Many pet owners want their pets to be involved in celebrating Thanksgiving.
But how can you make sure you’re celebrating safely?
Don’t let your dog eat:
- Turkey bones– both a choking hazard and risk of puncturing internal organs if eaten
- Turkey skin, turkey fat, gravy, butter– all fatty foods that can give dogs pancreatitis,a dangerous inflammation of the pancreas that can be fatal. Even in smaller amounts these foods can cause vomiting and diarrhea.
- Corn cobs-a serious choking hazard
- Grapes,raisins, and currents– these cause kidney failure with even small amounts
- Chocolate-a well-known poison for dogs
- Xylitol- A sugar substitute that is hidden in a surprising amount of foods, xylitol is a dangerous poison and can quickly kill dogs.
- Raw dough-Raw dough is a two-fold danger. It can cause salmonella poisoning and it can also contribute to bloat, a painful deadly disease where the stomach swells and twists.
Pet parents that are concerned their pet may have eaten something dangerous should call their vet or a pet poison hotline as soon as possible to discuss treatment.
If you want to include Fido in the thanksgiving feast, try to stick to his normal food as much as possible to avoid stomach upset. Mixing treats in with his usual kibble is a good way to give treats in moderation and discourage begging at the table.
Instead, treat your dog to:
- Turkey scraps skin off, without gravy
- Sweet potatoes or yams without butter
- Mashed potatoes without butter
- Green beans without butter or mushroom soup
- Commercial foods in holiday flavors like “turkey and giblets”
Celebrating holidays together is one of the most fun parts of pet ownership. With proper planning, you can make sure that it is both happy and healthy for all members of your family.
Now pass the turkey, please!
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