Thanksgiving Pet Safety

With Thanksgiving just around the corner and hundreds of thousands of meals being prepared for the big day, many pet owners don’t realize that something they enjoy so much and assume their pets will too is actually dangerous and could be life-threatening.

Here I’ve compiled a small list of things most people don’t think about in regards to their pets and holiday food safety. It may be a treat for you but don’t project that onto your pet!

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BONES

Never feed small, soft bones (poultry especially) raw or cooked to your pet. These bones splinter easily and can be caught in the pet’s throat, causing choking, or may cause an impaction in the intestines, which would require surgery.

Larger bones may also splinter and cause internal injuries, as well as cause cracking in the teeth. It’s just not worth it! Also be aware that it’s not just a matter of giving bones to your pets – make sure guests and children know not to feed them either and to make sure your pet is either sequestered in another room during the meal or doesn’t have access to the table where he or she can get to unattended plates.

See also: Feeding Dogs Bones
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TABLE SCRAPS

Believe it or not, dogs and cats really don’t need a hugely varied diet: Fido or Fluffy truly won’t appreciate a Thanksgiving meal as much as you think! Bits of the turkey meat itself isn’t so bad, but keep in mind that pets can be like small kids: if they think they can get away with it once they’ll think they can again and again! Don’t let the holidays be an excuse to start up bad habits like begging for scraps.

You may not think a scrap here and there will do any harm, but your pet is likely much smaller than you and a little can go a long way. Avoid the temptation of giving scraps of turkey skin to your pet – more often than not it’s been basted with butter and seasoned with salt and herbs, which are unneeded in his diet and could cause stomach upset (and who wants to be dealing with that after a big meal?). Onions and garlic, also common ingredients in a Thanksgiving feast, are toxic to dogs.

PetEducation.com has a pretty comprehensive list of things you should not feed your dog, as well as one for cats.
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DESSERTS AND SWEETS

You love them so your pet must too, right? Not really. The last thing any pet needs is sugar and fats which most human treats are loaded with. Sugar can lead to obesity, dental problems, and even diabetes. Fats (from butter and oil) can lead to pancreatitis. And in moderate amounts chocolate can be lethal . Grab a biscuit or some catnip and rest assured that Fluffy and Fido are happy with it!
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OTHER HAZARDS

Toothpicks from appetizers, skewers for holding the turkey together while roasting, and decorations are just a few random hazards that most people don’t think to watch out for with their pet around. Keep your pets out of the kitchen and dining room.

DIGG THIS!