Thanksgiving is a time for family, gratitude, and delicious food. While many of us love including our pets in the celebration, the holiday also brings risks that can turn a joyful gathering into an unexpected veterinary emergency.
Here are important reminders to help keep your pets safe this Thanksgiving straight from your Village Animal Hospital team in Dunwoody, Georgia.
Table Scraps Can Lead to Tummy Troubles
It’s tempting to slip your pet a taste from the table, but even small bites of holiday food can upset their stomach. Rich, seasoned, or unfamiliar foods may lead to vomiting, diarrhea, or discomfort.
When in doubt, stick to your pet’s regular diet.
Beware of Fatty Foods
High fat dishes including turkey skin, gravy, buttery sides, and fat trimmings can trigger pancreatitis, a painful and potentially life threatening inflammation of the pancreas.
Avoid sharing anything oily, greasy, or rich.
Turkey Safety Tips
Turkey is a Thanksgiving staple, but it comes with risks for pets.
• Seasoned skin contains oils, herbs, and potentially toxic ingredients
• Even plain turkey meat may be too fatty for sensitive stomachs
• Cooked turkey bones can splinter and cause choking or internal injury
If you’d like to share turkey, offer only a tiny piece of plain, unseasoned, skinless, boneless meat and only if your pet tolerates it well.
Protect the Trash
Thanksgiving leftovers are extremely enticing to pets. Bones, strings, foil, packaging, and spoiled food can cause choking, blockages, or toxic exposure.
Keep trash secured in a closed bin or behind a door where pets cannot access it.
Manage Guests and Holiday Stress
Holiday gatherings can overwhelm pets especially shy, anxious, or older animals.
• Extra people increase stress
• Guests may accidentally give unsafe foods
• Open doors create escape risks
Provide a quiet safe zone with your pet’s bed, toys, and water. Use gates or closed doors during busy moments.
Watch Out for Holiday Decor
Festive decorations can pose unexpected risks.
• Potpourri may be toxic
• Some holiday flowers and plants can harm pets
• Candles can be knocked over easily
Keep decor out of reach and never leave lit candles unattended.
A Safe and Happy Holiday for All
With a little preparation, your pets can enjoy a safe and peaceful Thanksgiving right alongside your family. If your pet eats something unsafe or begins showing signs of illness, contact your veterinarian or an emergency clinic immediately.
From all of us at Village Animal Hospital in Dunwoody, we wish you and your furry family a warm, joyful, and safe Thanksgiving.
