Thanksgiving Pet Safety Tips: How to Keep Your Dogs & Cats Safe This Holiday
- Dr. Melodie Limpach
- 7 minutes ago
- 2 min read
Thanksgiving is a time for family, gratitude, and delicious food, but it can also bring hidden risks for pets. With rich holiday dishes, bustling gatherings, and tempting decorations, it’s important to keep your dogs and cats safe, calm, and healthy throughout the celebrations.
At Angelcare Animal Hospital & Pet Resort, we care about your pet’s wellbeing year-round. Here are our top veterinarian-recommended Thanksgiving pet safety tips to ensure your holiday stays joyful and worry-free.
Be Careful With Thanksgiving Foods
Many traditional Thanksgiving dishes contain ingredients that are unsafe for pets. To avoid digestive upset or serious health issues, keep these guidelines in mind.
Unsafe Foods for Pets
Turkey skin, fat, or greasy scraps can cause pancreatitis.
Cooked turkey bones can splinter and become choking hazards or cause internal injury.
Stuffing and casseroles often contain onion or garlic, which are toxic.
Grapes, raisins, and currants can cause kidney failure.
Chocolate and desserts often contain harmful ingredients like chocolate, nutmeg, or xylitol.
Raw bread dough can expand in the stomach and cause alcohol buildup.
Safe Alternatives
If you want your pet to join the feast, offer small portions of:
Plain, fully cooked white turkey meat (no skin or bones)
Steamed green beans
Plain pumpkin
Cooked sweet potatoes (unseasoned)
These options let your pet enjoy the holiday without risking their health.
Create a Quiet and Stress-Free Space
Thanksgiving gatherings can be overwhelming for pets. Sensitive, senior, or anxious animals may need a calm retreat. Provide a comfortable space stocked with:
Their bed or crate
Favorite toys
Fresh water
A soft blanket or calming pheromone diffuser
If your pet becomes stressed during busy events, talk to our team about supplements or behavior strategies that can help.
Keep an Eye on Doors During Guest Arrivals
With guests coming and going, pets may try to slip outside unexpectedly.
To prevent escapes:
Keep pets in a closed room during arrivals.
Double-check that collars and ID tags are secure.
Make sure microchip information is up to date.
These simple steps prevent holiday stress and emergencies.
Use Caution With Holiday Decorations
Seasonal décor adds charm to your home but can pose risks for pets.
Watch out for:
Candles that can be knocked over
Electrical cords that may be tempting to chew
Small decorations that can be choking hazards
Certain flowers and plants that can be toxic.
Place decorations out of reach and supervise pets closely to keep them safe.
Know When to Call the Vet
If your pet shows any of the following after eating something questionable, contact us right away:
Vomiting or diarrhea
Sudden lethargy
Bloated or painful abdomen
Shaking or disorientation
Excessive drooling
Early treatment is important, especially during holidays when emergencies are more common.
Help Your Pet Have a Safe and Happy Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving should be a time of comfort, joy, and connection for you and your pets. With a little preparation, you can keep your furry family members healthy and relaxed throughout the holiday.
If you have concerns or need advice, the team at Angelcare Animal Hospital & Pet Resort is here to help.
Address:
1121 S Stuart Rd
Mt. Pleasant, Wisconsin 53406
Contant Info:
(262) 886-3337