Blog

Thanksgiving is a time for friends and loved ones to come together and share a meal, hugs, and memories. Because our pets are also important members of the family, it’s natural to want to include them in the fun.

However, there are some things that are better kept away from our pets in order to avoid a potential emergency. At Ten West Bird and Animal Hospital, we want to take a moment to remind all owners about these Thanksgiving pet risks.

Pass the Turkey: Foods That Can Harm Your Pet

For people, feasting on all the delectable foods is one of the best parts of the day, but many of these items can make your pet quite ill. Rich, fatty foods (such as turkey and gravy) can cause gastrointestinal upset and increase the risk of pancreatitis, a painful and potentially life-threatening condition.

In addition, many of our favorite snacks contain ingredients that are poisonous to pets. This includes:

• Chocolate (particularly dark chocolate)
• Macadamia nuts
• Garlic and onions
• Grapes, raisins, and currants
• Alcohol
• Raw eggs
• Bread dough
• Xylitol (found in sugar-free products)

There’s also the tendency to want to give your canine a bone to chew on; however, these are a choking hazard and can splinter, causing lacerations in the digestive tract.

If you want to include your pet in mealtime celebrations, ask family members to avoid feeding him or her table scraps. Instead, offer your pet healthier alternatives, such as unseasoned green beans or a small amount of unsweetened pumpkin pulp.

Other Thanksgiving Pet Risks

Some Thanksgiving pet risks are more obvious than others. To ensure a wonderful holiday for all, watch out for these hidden hazards:

• Lit candles
• Unattended glasses of alcohol or cups of coffee
• Chew-worthy decorations, such as lights
• Potpourri or scented oils
• Lilies, amaryllis, and other poisonous plants

Depending on how sociable your pet is (or isn’t), you may consider boarding him or her if you have a house full of guests. For smaller mammals, birds, and reptiles, the stress of having one-too-many people hover around the cage can be detrimental. If possible, find a quiet room for your pet to stay during the celebration.

Lastly, always keep an eye on your companion. With so many opportunities to slip through an open door or gate, it’s not uncommon for pets to go missing this time of year.

We hope you found our tips helpful and that you keep them in mind as you plan your holiday festivities. From all of us at Ten West Bird and Animal Hospital, we wish you and your family a Happy Thanksgiving!