Celebrating Thanksgiving with friends and family makes the holiday festive. When you include your pet, the day becomes an occasion for which you can truly be grateful. Pets can provide comic relief and a break from the chaos when they need their walk. Our South Austin veterinary team at Oliver Animal Hospital knows the holidays can be hectic, and we explain how to plan ahead to protect your pet from hazards amid the hubbub. 

Overly helpful kitchen helper—keep pets away from the food preparation

While your furry sous-chef means well, the last thing you need while cooking Thanksgiving dinner is an uninvited helper underfoot. Your pet is likely more than happy to take care of food that has fallen to the floor. However, while their cleaning saves you extra work, your four-legged friend can become ill and end up at the emergency veterinary hospital. You are likely aware of the foods that are toxic to pets, such as chocolate, xylitol, onions, garlic, and macadamia nuts. In addition, food preparation materials can wreak havoc on your pet’s health, including the following culprits:

  • Aluminum foil and plastic wrap — When covered in scrumptious food scraps and drippings, aluminum foil and plastic wrap become so tempting that your pet cannot stay away. If ingested, these materials can inflame or obstruct your pet’s digestive tract.
  • Cooking twine — Cooking twine is commonly used for turkey preparation, but poses a significant danger to pets. Twine, ribbon, and other linear foreign bodies can lodge in your pet’s digestive tract, causing serious damage to their intestinal wall. In some cases, an obstruction can perforate the intestinal wall and cause leakage into the abdominal cavity, requiring emergency medical care—surgery and an extended hospital stay.
  • Trash cans and compost bins — Mischievous pets who access trash cans and compost bins believe they have discovered a treasure trove. Unfortunately, many discarded items, such as food scraps and bones, can harm your pet. Secure trash cans and compost bins by ensuring you close them tightly. Still, keep an eye on your pet because some are quite talented at getting into the trash no matter how secure you think the containers may be. In addition, you may not notice that your pet has pulled something out of the trash and carried it away—all the more reason to closely monitor your pet during your Thanksgiving gathering. 

Door dasher—avoid a pet disappearing act

The sound of someone at the front door excites many pets, and if you are hosting a large Thanksgiving gathering at your home, the front door is going to see a lot of action. The first few moments of welcoming a guest can be a whirlwind of hugs,  jackets, food, and introductions. Sensing the excitement in the air, your pet may bolt out the open door in anticipation of adventure beyond. To avoid an impromptu game of chase or—worse—a lost pet, set up a gate to block your pet’s front door access. 

Sneaky snack stealer—remind guests not to share food with your pet

A holiday that centers around food is every pet’s dream—especially when that food is left within reach. As guests enter your home carrying aromatic dishes, point them to a place out of your pet’s reach, ask them not to share table scraps with your pet, and remind them to avoid leaving their plates unattended. Make sweeps throughout the day to look for unattended plates or glasses. 

Not all Thanksgiving food is harmful to pets. However, these holiday favorites can be highly dangerous:

  • Turkey skin and bones
  • Chocolate
  • Xylitol (i.e., sugar substitute)
  • Onions, chives, garlic, and leeks
  • Nuts
  • Grapes and raisins
  • Alcohol

Party passer—some pets prefer to skip the celebration

As with people, pets have unique personalities, and while some may enjoy socializing with your Thanksgiving guests, others prefer solitude until their routine returns to normal. If your pet is not a party animal, provide them a safe place to retreat. Choose a quiet room away from the noisy chatter, and provide your pet with a cozy bed, engaging toys, and calming background sounds. If your pet is highly anxious, schedule an appointment with our Oliver Animal Hospital team before the holiday to discuss if medication or supplements can help keep them calm.

We hope you and your pet enjoy a happy and safe Thanksgiving. After the turkey coma wears off, contact our Oliver Animal Hospital team to schedule your pet’s next wellness exam.