10/11/2025
Thanksgiving Food Safety for Pets ๐๐ฆ
Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, and feasting โ but itโs also a time to be extra mindful of our furry family members! While those tempting aromas and leftovers might make your pets curious, many holiday foods can be dangerous for them.
๐ Turkey Troubles
Turkey might be the highlight of your dinner table, but itโs not a safe choice for pets. Turkey skin, gravy, and bones can cause stomach upset, choking, or intestinal blockages. Rich, fatty foods can also lead to painful pancreatitis.
๐ฅ Toxic Side Dishes
Many Thanksgiving favourites โ like stuffing, casseroles, and seasoned veggies โ contain ingredients such as onions, garlic, and certain spices that are toxic to dogs and cats. Keep food prep areas clear and ensure pets canโt sneak a snack from countertops or the table.
๐ฅง No Pie or Desserts
While you enjoy that slice of pumpkin or chocolate pie, keep the sweets out of pawโs reach. Ingredients like nutmeg, chocolate, and xylitol (a common sweetener in sugar-free desserts) can be extremely dangerous for pets.
๐ซ Skip the Table Scraps
Even small bites of rich, greasy foods can cause digestive upset or serious illness. Encourage guests not to share food, no matter how cute those puppy-dog eyes may be!
๐ฎ Keep Trash Secure
After the feast, make sure leftovers, bones, and food wrappers are properly sealed and kept out of reach. Pets are notorious for โdumpster diving,โ and the results can be harmful or even life-threatening.
If your pet eats something they shouldnโt, Bluewater Veterinary Emergency Clinic is open all Thanksgiving weekend to help.
๐ Open Friday, October 10th at 6 PM until Tuesday, October 14th at 6 AM