Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, and delicious food. It’s a time for thinking back over the past year and all that we’re grateful for. Of course, one of the things we’re most grateful for is the unconditional love of our animals!
But Thanksgiving can also present unique challenges for us as pet parents. From tempting foods to the hustle and bustle of visitors, there are potential dangers lurking around that Thanksgiving table. With a bit of preparation and awareness, though, you can ensure your pet has a safe and enjoyable holiday.
So, we’ve put together a list of Thanksgiving pet safety tips (plus a healthy raw food treat recipe) to keep everyone safe!
Thanksgiving Pet Safety Tips: Potential Dangers and How to Avoid Them
A big part of Thanksgiving pet safety is recognizing the hidden hazards. Here are the most common ones and how to keep your pet safe:
Tackling Toxic Foods:
- Onions: These common ingredients can cause gastrointestinal irritation and damage to red blood cells in both cats and dogs.
- Chocolate and Desserts: Many desserts contain chocolate or artificial sweeteners like xylitol, both of which are toxic to pets.
- Cooked Bones: Poultry bones can splinter and pose a choking hazard or cause internal injuries. (Save the cooked bones for bone broth – here’s how to make it!)
- Alcohol: Even a small amount of alcohol can be dangerous, leading to vomiting, diarrhea, or more severe symptoms.
Don’t with the Decor: Festive decor like cornucopias, string lights, and candles can pose risks. Curious pets might chew on electrical cords, ingest small decorations, or knock over candles. Even some popular plants are a no-go for pets, so keep them out of reach.
Take out the Trash: Sometimes we get swept up in the excitement and forget how tempting the contents of that trashcan can be – even if your pet doesn’t usually get into the garbage. Put the trash away where your pet can’t find it. Dispose of turkey carcasses, bones, and scraps—and anything used to wrap or tie the meat, such as strings, bags, and packaging—in a covered, tightly secured trash bag placed in a closed trash container outdoors (or behind a closed, locked door).
Watch the Door: If you know your pet is even the least bit door-crazy, if there’s even a teensy chance they’ll try and sneak out as you welcome visitors in, keep them away.
Managing Pet Anxiety During Gatherings
For some pets, Thanksgiving gatherings can be overwhelming. Strangers, loud noises, and disrupted routines can cause anxiety. Here’s how to help your pet stay calm:
Create a Safe Space: Designate a quiet, comfortable room where your pet can retreat if they feel stressed. Include their favourite bed, toys, and maybe some calming music.
Stick to a Routine: Try to maintain your pet’s feeding, walking, and playtime schedule as much as possible. This consistency helps reduce anxiety.
Use Calming Aids: Consider using pet-safe calming aids, such as pheromone sprays, CBD Oil, Your Go 2, calming collars, or natural supplements like chamomile or valerian root.
Healthy Thanksgiving Treat Recipe
Let your pet join in the Thanksgiving festivities with a special raw food treat that’s safe and healthy. This recipe is simple to prepare and packed with nutrients.
Turkey and Pumpkin Raw Treat
Ingredients:
- 1 cup raw, ground turkey (or cooked turkey without seasonings if you prefer)
- 2 tablespoons plain canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1/4 cup grated broccoli/cauliflower/Brussels sprouts (whatever you’ve got going on for dinner) – you can leave this out for the kitties of course
- 1 teaspoon finely chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl.
- Form small, bite-sized balls or patties, depending on your pet’s size.
- Serve immediately, or freeze them for a fun, longer-lasting treat.
Thanksgiving is a wonderful time to celebrate, and with a little planning, your pets can safely join the fun. By keeping hazards out of reach, managing their stress, and including them in the festivities with a special treat, you can make the holiday enjoyable for everyone. Have a safe and happy Thanksgiving—paws and all!
