Thanksgiving is a time for family, gratitude, and of course, feasting. While many of us look forward to sharing this joyful occasion with our pets, it’s important to know which treats are safe and which could pose a danger to their health. At Memorial Animal Hospital in Kent, OH, we are committed to keeping your pets healthy and happy. 

Teaching Good Holiday Behavior: Avoiding Counter Surfing and Well-Meaning Guests

Holidays are a perfect time to reinforce good behaviors around food, especially when enticing smells are everywhere! Here’s how to teach your dog to avoid counter-surfing and help family and friends understand the importance of sticking to your pet’s diet:

Teaching Your Dog Not to Counter Surf

If your dog is tempted to hop up and grab what’s on the counter, here are a few strategies to help curb this habit:

Reward Good Behavior: Praise and reward your dog for staying on the floor when food is being prepared. Use treats, verbal praise, or gentle petting as a reward when they sit or lie down near the kitchen but avoid the counters.

  1. Teach the “Leave It” Command: Teaching “leave it” can be a powerful tool to keep your pet away from tempting items on the counter. Start by practicing with lower-value items in a quiet setting, gradually working up to food in the kitchen. Always reward your pet when they ignore the item you’ve asked them to “leave.”
  2. Manage the Environment: Keep counters clear when you’re not actively preparing food, especially if your pet is already in the habit of checking the counters for treats. If possible, use baby gates or keep your pet in another room during food preparation.

Setting Boundaries with Well-Meaning Guests

During holiday meals, friends and family may want to share food with your pet, but many Thanksgiving treats are unsafe for pets:

  1. Politely Remind Guests: Share with guests ahead of time that your pet is on a strict diet to avoid tummy trouble. Explain that giving in to those cute eyes could lead to digestive upset or even an emergency trip to the vet.
  2. Provide Alternatives: Set up a plate of pet-safe treats (like carrots or pumpkin cookies) that guests can offer instead. This allows your pet to feel included without risking their health.
  3. Encourage Positive Reinforcement: Ask guests to reward your pet for good behavior around food without giving them table scraps. A simple pat or verbal praise goes a long way in reinforcing positive behaviors without compromising their diet.

By setting these boundaries, you can help ensure that your pet learns to stay safe and your guests understand how to show affection without treats.

Thanksgiving Foods That Are Safe for Pets

When preparing a Thanksgiving plate for your pet, stick to simple, unseasoned items. A few favorites that pets will love without risking their health include:

  • Turkey Meat (No Skin or Bones): Turkey is a great source of protein, but ensure it’s plain, boneless, and skinless. Turkey skin and fatty cuts are loaded with fats, which can be hard for pets to digest and may lead to pancreatitis—a painful and potentially dangerous inflammation of the pancreas. Even small bones from turkey can splinter and pose a choking hazard or cause severe injuries if swallowed. Always remove bones and keep the serving lean.
  • Plain Vegetables: Carrots, green beans, and sweet potatoes are nutrient-rich options for pets, offering fiber, vitamins, and minerals. These vegetables are best served cooked and plain, as butter, oils, and seasonings can upset your pet’s digestive system. Carrots provide a crunchy treat that’s low in calories, green beans are full of fiber, and sweet potatoes are a healthy source of carbohydrates.
  • Pumpkin: Pure pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling) is an excellent source of fiber, which can help support your pet’s digestive health and maintain regular bowel movements. Pumpkin also contains beta-carotene, which is converted into vitamin A in the body—a nutrient essential for healthy skin, vision, and immune function.

Giving your pets these simple, wholesome options will allow them to enjoy Thanksgiving with the family without any risk of digestive upset.

Thanksgiving Foods to Avoid

While it may be tempting to share everything on the table, some foods can cause serious health issues in pets:

  • Onions and Garlic: Found in many Thanksgiving dishes, onions, garlic, leeks, and chives are toxic to pets. These ingredients contain compounds that can damage red blood cells, leading to a condition called hemolytic anemia. Even a small amount can lead to vomiting, abdominal pain, and weakness in pets.
  • Chocolate: Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, both of which are toxic to dogs and cats. Even in small amounts, chocolate can cause symptoms like vomiting, rapid breathing, seizures, and in severe cases, even heart failure. Dark chocolate and baking chocolate contain the highest levels of theobromine and should be kept well out of reach of pets.
  • Xylitol: This sugar substitute is often found in sugar-free products like candies, baked goods, and gum. Ingesting even a small amount of xylitol can cause a rapid release of insulin in pets, leading to dangerous drops in blood sugar. Symptoms include vomiting, loss of coordination, and, in severe cases, liver failure. Xylitol poisoning requires immediate veterinary attention.
  • Bones: While it might seem natural to give your pet a bone, cooked bones can splinter easily, causing serious internal injuries. Sharp fragments can puncture the gastrointestinal tract, leading to internal bleeding or blockages that require emergency treatment.

To learn more about how diet impacts your pet’s health, visit our Wellness & Preventive Care page.

Recognizing Symptoms of Food Toxicity in Pets

If your pet ingests something unsafe, acting quickly can make all the difference. Common symptoms of food-related toxicity in pets include:

  • Vomiting or Diarrhea: Digestive upset is often the first sign of toxicity and can range from mild to severe, depending on the substance ingested.
  • Lethargy: If your pet seems unusually tired or unresponsive, it may be a reaction to something toxic they have ingested.
  • Abdominal Pain: Pets with abdominal pain may exhibit unusual behavior, such as excessive panting, restlessness, or reluctance to move.
  • Severe Symptoms: In extreme cases, pets may experience seizures, tremors, or loss of coordination, which require immediate emergency care.

Seek veterinary help immediately if you notice any of these signs. Prompt treatment can significantly improve your pet’s recovery. In emergencies after hours, visit our Helpful Links page for local emergency facilities.

How to Prepare Pet-Safe Thanksgiving Treats

If you’d like to involve your pet in the Thanksgiving festivities, consider preparing these pet-friendly treats:

  • Turkey and Vegetable Mix: Combine small pieces of cooked, plain turkey with a mix of safe, cooked vegetables like carrots, green beans, or peas. This simple dish can make pets feel included in the holiday without exposing them to harmful ingredients.
  • Pumpkin Cookies: Use pure pumpkin puree and oatmeal to create a simple cookie that’s safe for pets. Combine the pumpkin and oatmeal, roll into small balls, flatten, and bake at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes. These treats are nutritious, and the pumpkin can aid in digestion.
  • Sweet Potato Jerky: Thinly slice sweet potatoes and bake them at a low temperature (about 250°F) for 2-3 hours until they are dry and crispy. Sweet potato jerky can be a tasty, low-fat treat for your pet to enjoy while the rest of the family feasts.

These treats are easy to prepare and use ingredients that are both tasty and safe for your pet.

Keeping Your Pet Safe During Celebrations

With all the excitement of Thanksgiving, it’s important to keep an eye on your pet’s safety and comfort:

  • Secure Trash Bins: Turkey bones, leftover food, and other hazardous items in the trash can be irresistible to pets. Use a pet-proof trash bin or place the bin in an area that’s out of reach.
  • Provide a Quiet Space: Holiday gatherings can be overwhelming for pets, especially if they’re sensitive to noise or unfamiliar people. Set up a cozy, quiet spot where your pet can retreat if they feel stressed or overstimulated. This can help reduce anxiety and prevent behavior issues.
  • Use a Pet Gate or Separate Room: During mealtimes, consider using a pet gate or setting up a separate area for your pet. This helps prevent begging and reduces the risk of accidental ingestion of unsafe foods dropped by guests.

For more information on pet care and boarding options, visit The Bed and Biscuit.

Conclusion

Thanksgiving is a time for celebrating with loved ones, including your pets. By following these guidelines, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable holiday for every member of the family. If you have any concerns or need advice on keeping your pet safe during the festivities, don’t hesitate to contact Memorial Animal Hospital.

For additional tips on Thanksgiving pet safety, check out AVMA Thanksgiving Pet Safety Tips and ASPCA Thanksgiving Safety Tips.