Thanksgiving is a time for family, food, and fun—but for pet owners, it’s also a time to be extra vigilant. With an abundance of delicious food and lots of activity, it’s easy to overlook the potential dangers that come with the holiday for our furry friends. From unsafe foods to the stress of a busy household, here’s how to keep your dog and cat safe this Thanksgiving.

Avoid Toxic Foods

While it’s tempting to share a bite of your meal with your pets, many Thanksgiving staples can be harmful—or even deadly—to dogs and cats. Here are some common foods to avoid:

  • Turkey Bones: After you’ve carved the turkey, make sure all bones are discarded in a secure trash can. They can splinter and cause choking, or even puncture your pet’s digestive tract.
  • Onions, Garlic, and Chives: These common seasonings can damage your pet’s red blood cells and lead to anemia. Even small amounts can be dangerous.
  • Stuffing: Depending on the ingredients, stuffing can contain onions, garlic, raisins, or other harmful foods. Avoid feeding any to your pets.
  • Cranberries and Grapes: While fresh cranberries are generally safe for dogs in moderation, grape and raisin consumption can lead to kidney failure. Keep them out of reach.
  • Chocolate and Desserts: Many Thanksgiving desserts contain chocolate, which is toxic to dogs and cats. Never share sweets or baked goods with your pets.
  • Alcohol: Even small amounts of alcohol can be toxic to pets, causing vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, and potentially, coma. Never leave drinks unattended where pets can access them
  • Dough and Raw Bread: The raw dough can rise in your pet’s stomach, causing painful bloating and even a rupture in severe cases. It’s best to avoid feeding them any raw dough.

If your pet accidentally consumes something harmful, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Create a Safe Space for Your Pet

The hustle and bustle of a Thanksgiving gathering can be overwhelming for some pets, especially those who are shy, anxious, or not accustomed to large groups. Set up a quiet, comfortable space where they can retreat if they need some alone time.

  • Create a designated pet area: A cozy crate, a bed in a quiet room, or a gated-off area where they can feel safe and undisturbed.
  • Ensure access to water and their favorite toys: Your pet might feel anxious, so having familiar items nearby can help them feel more secure.
  • Introduce visitors slowly: If you’re hosting a large gathering, try to give your pets a chance to meet new people in a calm, controlled manner

Be Mindful of Doors and Guests

With so much coming and going, Thanksgiving can be a chaotic time for your pets. Open doors and an influx of visitors can present an opportunity for pets to slip outside and potentially get lost.

  • Keep an eye on the door: If your pet is prone to bolting out, consider keeping them in a room with the door closed when people arrive or depart.
  • Place identification tags or microchip your pet: If your dog or cat is prone to escaping, make sure they have up-to-date identification tags. Microchipping is also a great way to ensure they can be returned to you if they wander off.

Mind the Decorations

Thanksgiving decorations, especially seasonal candles, potpourri, or centerpieces, may not be the best choice if you have curious pets.

  • Candles: Keep lit candles out of reach to avoid burns or fires caused by knocked-over candles. Battery-operated LED candles can be a safer option.
  • Table Centerpieces and Decorations: Many decorations—such as floral arrangements or cornucopias—might contain items that are harmful if ingested, such as small berries, nuts, or even toxic flowers. Keep them out of reach of paws and mouths.

Watch Out for Table Scraps

While it’s tempting to treat your pets to leftovers, it’s best to resist the urge. Many of the things we love about Thanksgiving are actually unhealthy for dogs and cats. Instead of sharing scraps, you can give your pet a special Thanksgiving treat. There are plenty of pet-friendly recipes out there that can help make your pet feel included in the festivities without compromising their health.

Manage Stress and Anxiety

Holidays are often a high-energy time, and pets can feel stressed by unfamiliar smells, sounds, and people. Dogs may become overstimulated or anxious around loud voices or constant movement, while cats may retreat to hide.

  • Consider calming products: If your pet is particularly anxious, you might consider a calming collar or a diffuser with pet-safe essential oils. Consult your veterinarian if you have concerns.
  • Exercise: Make sure to give your dog plenty of exercise before guests arrive. A tired dog is generally a happier dog and may be less likely to engage in stress-related behaviors.

Monitor Your Pet’s Behavior

During your Thanksgiving celebration, it’s important to keep a close eye on your pets, especially with so much going on. Be on the lookout for any unusual behavior, such as excessive drooling, vomiting, lethargy, or excessive thirst. These could be signs of a medical emergency, and it’s always better to be cautious.

Enjoy the Holiday Together

Above all, remember that Thanksgiving is a time to celebrate with family—and that includes your pets! While it’s important to keep them safe, you can still enjoy the holiday with them by providing safe activities, offering them treats made for pets, and including them in your family traditions (like a leisurely walk after dinner or playtime in the backyard).

Final Thoughts

Thanksgiving is a time to be grateful for the ones we love, including our pets. By keeping them safe from potential hazards and ensuring their well-being amidst the excitement, you can ensure that your furry friends are just as happy as you are this holiday season.

Have a wonderful, pet-safe Thanksgiving!