11/11/2024
Thanksgiving is a special holiday that brings together family and friends. It also can bring some hazards for pets. Follow these tips from the American Veterinary Medical Association to keep your pets healthy and safe during the holiday.
Keep the feast on the table! Eating turkey or turkey skinâsometimes even a small amountâcan cause a life-threatening condition in pets known as pancreatitis. Fatty foods are hard for animals to digest, and many foods that are healthy for people are poisonous to pets, including onions, raisins, and grapes.
No pie or other desserts for your pet! Chocolate can be harmful for pets, even though many dogs find it tempting and will sniff it out and eat it. The artificial sweetener xylitolâcommonly used in gum and sugar-free baked goodsâalso can be deadly if swallowed by dogs or cats.
Yeast dough can cause problems for pets, including painful gas and potentially dangerous bloating.
Put the trash away where your pet canât find it! Dispose of turkey carcasses, bones, and scrapsâand anything used to wrap or tie the meat, such as strings, bags, and packagingâin a covered, tightly secured trash bag placed in a closed trash container outdoors (or behind a closed, locked door).
Be careful with decorative plants and decorations! Some flowers and festive plants can be toxic to pets. These include amaryllis, babyâs breath, sweet William, some ferns, hydrangeas, and more. The ASPCA has lists of plants that are toxic to dogs and cats, but the safest route is simply to keep your pet away from all plants and table decorations
Quick action can save lives! If you believe your pet has been poisoned or has eaten something they shouldnât have, immediately call your veterinarian or local veterinary emergency clinic. You also can call the ASPCA Poison Control Center (888-426-4435) or the Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661)
To learn more about party precautions and travel concerns, please visit the American Veterinary Medical Association website for more information!
https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare/thanksgiving-pet-safety
Wishing you and your family a wonderful Thanksgiving Holiday!
