Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving Safety Tips

Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and as you prepare your holiday feast, I thought I’d offer a few tips to keep your pets safe. While we may be tempted by all those delicious smells, our digestive systems aren’t built for rich foods. Even small amounts of certain foods can lead to an unexpected trip to the vet— which is not exactly how anyone wants to spend a holiday!

So here’s my guide to keeping us healthy and out of the ER this Thanksgiving:

Turkey: Keep It Plain

The smell of roasting turkey is hard to resist, and yes, a little turkey is safe for pets—if you follow a few rules:

• No skin or fat: Turkey skin and fat are hard on our stomachs and can cause serious issues like pancreatitis.
• No spices or seasoning: Stick to plain, unseasoned turkey meat. Spices, onions, garlic, and seasonings can make us sick.
• Absolutely no bones: Turkey bones splinter easily and can cause serious internal injuries. Just skip the bones altogether.

Green Beans: Plain and Simple

Green beans are a safe, pet-friendly vegetable—if served plain:

• Raw or plain cooked green beans are fine for both cats and dogs. Just a few pieces are all we need.
• No green bean casserole: Cream, onions, and other ingredients should be kept for humans. Plain green beans only!

Carrots: Straightforward Crunch

Carrots are another good option for pets, as long as they’re plain:

• Raw carrots are a safe, crunchy treat. A couple of small pieces are just right.
• No seasonings or cooking needed: We don’t need butter, spices, or anything extra-simple is best.

Sweet Potatoes: Yes, with Caution

• Sweet potatoes can be okay for us in small amounts:
• Plain, unseasoned, and cooked—steamed, baked, or boiled. No butter, sugar, or spices.
• Just a small bite is plenty.

Canned Pumpkin Puree: Just a Small Taste

Pumpkin puree is good for digestion in small amounts:

• Canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling) is fine in small doses.
  • Cool Treat: Try smearing some pumpkin puree on a lick mat and then freezing it.
    It will keep your dogs entertained while you enjoy the pie!
• A tablespoon is enough—pumpkin is high in fiber, so too much could cause digestive
  issues.

From all of us here at the clinic (especially me, your favorite), we wish you a safe, happy Thanksgiving. Enjoy your feast, and remember to keep it safe if you’re sharing a little with your pets.

xo Tonic, with help writing from Casey