Thanksgiving is coming, and everyone is getting excited! You know who else is going to be excited? That’s right….your kitty and pooch. They love all of the meaty aromas they smell and if they get lucky, maybe a morsel of turkey that “accidentally” hits the floor.
Before you start sharing your Thanksgiving feast with your pets, you may want to keep the following in mind. They will keep you from making them sick to their stomachs, much like how many of us humans feel after overindulging ourselves.
Thanksgiving Tips for Dog and Cat Owners
Turkey Rules
Only feed turkey that is:
- Cooked
- Skinless
- Boneless
Pets can get salmonella just like humans. Bones can cause problems in the digestive tract. Only give your pets what you would eat when it comes to turkey. And remember, a little goes a long way for those tiny bellies.
Dough
As you’re making all of those yummy desserts, be careful not let the dough hit the floor. When dogs and cats consume raw dough, the sugars convert to carbon dioxide gas and alcohol. This could cause severe bloating and drunkenness. Many pets need hospitalization.
Desserts
Unfortunately, your pets really don’t need to indulge themselves with desserts like we do. They will be perfectly happy with the small amount of turkey.
Raw eggs and chocolate are highly dangerous to pets. Please keep them far away from pets at all times.
Fatty Foods
This is a no-no too because just like it’s bad for us, it’s bad for our pets. They are smaller too, so it has an even greater impact on their body.
Onions
NO onions. This means anything that contains onions. This vegetable attacks red blood cells, which can cause anemia.
Grapes/Raisins
Kidney damage is possible if your pets eat grapes or raisins. This can be hard when you have a lot of people in your home. If possible, don’t serve grapes. If the grapes are in any side dishes, just be sure no one shares their dish with the pets.
Keeping Your Pets Safe During Thanksgiving
It can be hard to monitor what everyone is doing while they are enjoying their hors d’oeuvres, snacks, and meal. It’s best to keep your pets in a separate room, so they don’t end up eating something they shouldn’t. It’s also good for them to have a little break from all of the excitement. They tend to get nervous when there are too many new people around them, and having a retreat will help them calm down.
Don’t Forget the Water
When you put them in a separate room for break time, don’t forget to put down some water. Fresh, cool drinking water will help them digest the turkey they’ve enjoyed.
What to Do if Your Pet Gets Into Something
If you find your pet has eaten the wrong thing, watch him or her carefully. If you find any signs of illness, call your emergency veterinarian immediately. He or she will be able to advise you on the next steps.
Thanksgiving is a time to appreciate everything we have in life. That includes our pets. Take good care of them on Thanksgiving, and they will reward us by plenty of kisses, hugs, and good times in the future.