Have a Safe and Happy Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving is a wonderful time with family and friends, offering moments to express gratitude and of course, a little indulgence. As easy as it is to splurge during this lavish holiday, we must not forget to protect our pets from the “extras” of Thanksgiving.

You pets will be just as excited about the big feast as you are. There is an increased possibility that they get into something that is not good for them or even chew on decorations mistaken for their  toys. With the holiday season upon us, here are some pet safety tips to follow so that everyone can enjoy the holidays safely. 

We do recommend that your pet  stick to their regular diet, but many people want to share the holiday spirit with their furry friends. If you are determined to offer your pets a mini-feast of their own here is  a list of some of the common Thanksgiving foods you can safely give your pets, and some you should not.

Foods That Are OK to Give Your Pets on Thanksgiving

• A bit of unseasoned, cooked white turkey meat
• Potatoes
• Yams and sweet potatoes
• Pumpkin
• Cranberries
• Apples
• Roast beef
• Carrots
• Green beans

Foods to Avoid Giving Your Pets for Thanksgiving

• Alcohol
• Foods that are heavy with spices and seasoning
• Onions
• Raisins or nuts
• Turkey bones or skin
• Garlic
• Buttered or greasy gravy
• Sweets and cake
• Chocolate (Dogs should never have chocolate. It can be fatal!)

If your dog or cat ingests something they should not, please have the number of your veterinarian handy in case you need to make that call in the midst of your holiday celebration. It’s also a good idea for anyone with pets to be aware of the ASPCA Animal Poison Control site and number (not just at the holidays), which offers useful safety information.

Happy Thanksgiving!