Pet Health Articles
Preparing for a Safe and Healthy Thanksgiving with Your Pet
2016-11-15
It seems cruel to be a dog or cat at this time of year. All of those amazing smells and mouth-watering food right in front of us and we can't have any. As much as we protest, don't give in and let us eat your food. We dogs and cats have sensitive stomachs and need to stick to the food made especially for us.
Love, Carlos
Being the creatures of habit that they are, dogs and cats aren’t as excited about the Thanksgiving holiday as you are. There are extra people in the house, some of whom may be small children that poke at them. The smells of the holiday feast are overpowering, yet the food is not for them. Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving dinner or traveling with your pet to someone else’s home, make sure that one person supervises her closely the entire day. Plan to keep your pet away from the front door as people arrive to prevent a possible escape.
If you have any concerns about your dog or cat’s ability to tolerate a large group of people, keep him in a separate room until the crowd has cleared. You don’t want a frightened cat biting a small child or an over-excited dog knocking your grandmother off her feet.
Should You Share Thanksgiving Treats with Your Pet?
While small amounts of certain foods might be okay to give your pet, wait until everyone is away from the table. You don’t want to encourage begging behavior by feeding your pet from the same table where you eat. A tiny portion of boneless, well-cooked turkey that doesn’t contain added seasonings should be okay for most animals. However, many foods associated with the Thanksgiving meal are toxic to them. These include:
If you have any concerns about your dog or cat’s ability to tolerate a large group of people, keep him in a separate room until the crowd has cleared. You don’t want a frightened cat biting a small child or an over-excited dog knocking your grandmother off her feet.
Should You Share Thanksgiving Treats with Your Pet?
While small amounts of certain foods might be okay to give your pet, wait until everyone is away from the table. You don’t want to encourage begging behavior by feeding your pet from the same table where you eat. A tiny portion of boneless, well-cooked turkey that doesn’t contain added seasonings should be okay for most animals. However, many foods associated with the Thanksgiving meal are toxic to them. These include:
- Avocados
- Bread dough
- Cake
- Chocolate
- Grapes
- Raisins
- Sage
- Seasonings
- Turkey bones
If your pet does sneak one of these foods, it can cause severe abdominal upset. Some are choking hazards as well. Another thing to watch for is that your pet doesn’t try to eat food wrappers dropped on the floor since these are also easy to choke on. Between the temptations of the plentiful food and its pleasing aroma, your normally well-behaved dog or cat may try finding a treat in the garbage can. This is all the more reason your pet should not be in the kitchen or dining room while the meal is prepared or served.
Prepare for an Emergency Just in Case
Since Buffalo Companion Animal Hospital will be closed on Thanksgiving, make sure you have the telephone number to the Pet Poison Helpline programmed into your phone. It is 1-855-764-7661. You can also contact Affiliated Emergency Veterinary Service at the location closest to you. Our entire staff wishes your family a Happy Thanksgiving.
Photo Credit: cassinga / Getty Images
Prepare for an Emergency Just in Case
Since Buffalo Companion Animal Hospital will be closed on Thanksgiving, make sure you have the telephone number to the Pet Poison Helpline programmed into your phone. It is 1-855-764-7661. You can also contact Affiliated Emergency Veterinary Service at the location closest to you. Our entire staff wishes your family a Happy Thanksgiving.
Photo Credit: cassinga / Getty Images
