Thanksgiving Pet Safety Tips for Dogs and Cats

Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, and festive food. But while you’re enjoying the holiday, it’s important to keep your pets safe, too. With tempting smells coming from the kitchen, extra food on the table, and visitors coming and going, Thanksgiving can bring unexpected hazards for curious cats and dogs. A little preparation can help prevent an emergency and make the holiday enjoyable for everyone. Follow these Thanksgiving pet safety tips to protect your four-legged family members.

Thanksgiving food safety: what pets can and can’t eat

One of the biggest holiday hazards for pets is eating food they shouldn’t. Many traditional Thanksgiving dishes contain ingredients that can upset your pet’s stomach or cause serious health problems. Even a small taste of the wrong food can be dangerous, so keep your holiday feast out of paw’s reach.

Thanksgiving food safety tips for pet guardians:

  • Keep rich, fatty foods off the menu. Gravy, butter, stuffing, turkey skin, and other fatty foods can be difficult for pets to digest. Eating too much fat can also trigger pancreatitis, a painful inflammation of the pancreas that may require veterinary care.
  • Never give pets bones. Turkey and other poultry bones can splinter, creating choking hazards or causing injuries and blockages in the digestive tract. Dispose of bones safely, and learn more about which bones dogs can and can’t eat.
  • Watch out for toxic ingredients. Onions, garlic, grapes, raisins, chocolate, macadamia nuts, and alcohol can all be harmful to pets. Some foods, including chocolate and products containing the artificial sweetener xylitol, can cause serious health problems even in small amounts. For more information, see our guide to foods that are toxic to pets.
  • Skip the sweets and baked goods. Desserts may contain chocolate, xylitol, or other ingredients that are dangerous for pets. Unbaked yeast dough is also hazardous because it can expand in the stomach and produce alcohol as it ferments.
  • Keep the trash secure. Turkey carcasses, bones, food scraps, and discarded packaging can all attract curious pets. Put leftovers and food waste in a tightly sealed trash can that pets can’t access.

Can dogs and cats eat turkey?

You don’t have to leave your pets out of every part of the Thanksgiving meal. A small piece of plain, fully cooked turkey can be an occasional treat for dogs and cats, as long as it’s boneless, skinless, and free of butter, seasoning, and other added ingredients.

If you want to give your pet something special, you can also offer a small portion of plain, cooked sweet potato or green beans, as long as they haven’t been prepared with butter, salt, garlic, onions, or other seasonings.

Keep portions small, and remember that treats should never replace your pet’s regular, balanced diet. If you’re unsure whether a particular food is safe, it’s best to skip it.

Keep pets safe around holiday guests

Thanksgiving gatherings can bring more activity, noise, and unfamiliar people into your home. While some pets enjoy the extra attention, others may feel overwhelmed. A few simple precautions can help your pets feel comfortable and keep everyone safe.

  • Create a quiet retreat. Give your pet access to a comfortable, quiet space away from the gathering. Include familiar bedding, toys, and fresh water so they have somewhere to relax when they need a break.
  • Remind guests to respect your pet’s space. Not every pet wants to be greeted or handled by visitors. Let your pet approach people on their own terms, and ask guests to avoid disturbing them while they’re eating or resting.
  • Keep personal belongings out of reach. Guests may bring medications, gum, purses, or other items that can be dangerous if pets get into them. Ask visitors to keep their belongings somewhere your pet can’t access.
  • Watch the doors. With guests arriving and leaving throughout the day, pets can easily slip outside unnoticed. Keep an eye on open doors, and consider using a closed room or secure gate to prevent accidental escapes. Make sure your pet’s collar ID and microchip information are up to date, just in case.

Watch out for holiday decorations

Festive decorations can make your home feel extra special, but some can pose risks to curious pets. Keep flowers and holiday plants out of reach, as certain varieties can be toxic to cats and dogs. Table decorations, corn cobs, gourds, and other small objects can also become choking hazards or cause intestinal blockages if swallowed. When decorating, choose pet-safe options whenever possible, and keep unfamiliar plants and decorations away from areas your pets can explore.

What to do if your pet eats something they shouldn’t

Even with the best precautions, accidents can happen. If you think your pet has eaten something potentially toxic, contact your veterinarian or an emergency veterinary hospital right away. Don’t wait for symptoms to appear, as some toxins can take time to cause noticeable problems.

If possible, have the food packaging or a list of ingredients available when you call. This information can help your veterinary team determine the next steps. Don’t try to induce vomiting or give your pet a home remedy unless a veterinary professional specifically instructs you to do so.

For additional guidance about potential poison exposure, you can also contact the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.

Enjoy a safe and happy Thanksgiving with your pets

The best way to include your pets in Thanksgiving is to make sure they can enjoy the holiday safely and comfortably. Stick to their regular meals, offer pet-safe treats, give them a quiet place to relax, and keep potentially dangerous foods and decorations out of reach. With a little planning, you can focus on what matters most: spending time with the people and animals you love. From all of us at the SF SPCA, we wish you and your pets a safe and happy Thanksgiving!

Want more content like this in your inbox? Sign up below!