Thanksgiving Pet Safety

Can you believe it is already Thanksgiving? Pets are undoubtedly at the top of our gratitude list. Our animal friends give us unconditional affection, unwavering support and dedication, comfort, companionship, and never-ending cuddles. They also make us chuckle with their endearing behaviors and fun antics. However, there are a few concerns that pet owners should be aware of on Turkey Day. In this article from All About Animals Veterinary Services, your Carrollton, GA pet hospital, serving the Villa Rica Area area, a neighborhood veterinarian offers some tips on keeping your pet safe over Turkey Day.

What Types of Meat Can Pets Eat At Thanksgiving?

There is nothing wrong with treating your furry best buddy to something special. Simply stick to safe options.

Meat is normally acceptable, as long as it has been well cooked. Steak, pork, beef, and deli meat are all fine. There are a few limitations, however.

First and foremost? Never feed your pet meat on the bone. When cooked, bones become very fragile, and may split into sharp shards. These are  not only cause choking hazards but also major internal damage if eaten.

Organ meats, such as liver, should be fed sparingly. Otherwise, they may cause vitamin A toxicity. Fatty foods, including bacon and sausage, should also only be served occasionally. Finally, avoid giving pets anything that has been seasoned with garlic, onion, or other potentially harmful foods.

The same laws apply to fish and poultry. Give your pet some of that scrumptious turkey!

Which Fruits And Veggies Are Safe for Pets?

The list of safe and harmful foods for dogs and cats is essentially the same. Fluffy and Fido can enjoy a variety of fall vegetables, including cooked squash, pumpkin, and sweet potato. 

Here’s a list of some suitable options:

• Apple
• Apricots
• Asparagus
• Bananas
• Beets
• Bell Pepper
• Blackberry
• Blueberries
• Broccoli
• Brussels sprouts
• Cabbage
• Cantaloupe
• Carrots
• Cauliflower
• Celery
• Corn
• Cucumber
• Green beans
• Cranberries
• Kale
• Lettuce
• Mango
• Peaches
• Pears
• Peas
• Pineapple 
• Oranges
• Pumpkin
• Raspberry
• Spinach
• Squash 
• Sweet potatoes
• Watermelon
• Zucchini

As a general guideline, you should remove all seeds, pips, and rinds. You should also keep an eye on the size: some things may need to be cut into smaller portions. Also, keep in mind that some foods, such as broccoli and cauliflower, should only be served on occasion. 

Ask your Villa Rica Area, GA veterinarian for particular guidance.

What Foods Are Not Safe For Pets?

Many items that are beneficial for us are poisonous to our pets. Dogs are at a higher danger because they will eat almost everything, whereas cats are more selective. However, some cats will consume whatever they can get their hands on. As a general guideline, never give your pet anything until you have thoroughly researched it to assure its safety.

Here are some of the things you shouldn’t give your pet:

Grapes, Currants, And Raisins: These tart fruits are particularly harmful to dogs. Some pets can develop renal failure after eating just one! Although more investigation is needed, scientists have just identified the culprit: tartaric acid.

Cherries: The problem with cherries is not the fruit itself, but the pits, which contain arsenic. Many cherry are also marinated in highly sweet sauces, which contain more sugar than our pets should consume. It’s preferable to err on the side of caution and avoid the cherries completely.

Xylitol, sometimes known as birch sugar, is a sugar substitute that is exceedingly harmful for pets. Unfortunately, it is added to a variety of processed meals, particularly baked goods. It is also commonly added to peanut butter, which is typically safe for your pet to consume.

Onions And Garlic: The entire Allium family is harmful to pets. This contains not only garlic and onion, but also scallions, shallots, leeks, and chives. The problem is that these diets include organosulphoxides, a toxin that harms your pet’s red blood cells and causes anemia.

Nuts: Some nuts are okay, but others, particularly macadamia nuts, can make your furry buddy very sick. Consumption may cause weakness, tremors, vomiting, sadness, and hypothermia.

Corn On The Cob: While corn kernels are OK, the cob is not suitable for pets to consume. If consumed, this can lead to dangerous—and potentially fatal—intestinal obstructions.

Tomatoes: While tomato flesh isn’t the worst thing Fido could eat, it’s also not very healthy. Tomatoes contain solanine, which is poisonous to puppies. The leaves are especially harmful. It’s also worth mentioning that green tomatoes or tomato parts are more concentrated than ripe flesh. However, the entire fruit contains solanine.

Chocolate: Chocolate includes methylxanthines, which are toxic to pets. If consumed, it can cause vomiting, an irregular heartbeat, and seizures. Unfortunately, as little as one ounce per pound of your pet’s body weight can be lethal.

Alcohol is also on the list. There are other many meals that, while not as harmful as those listed, are still unsafe. Many casseroles, for example, contain a lot of fat, cream, and cheese, which are unhealthy for pets. You’ll want to be careful with dairy as well. A bit of cheese is fine, but you don’t want to give your pet heavy cream. Cats are actually lactose-intolerant, so you wouldn’t want to offer Fluffy any milk. 

Ask your Villa Rica Area, GA veterinarian for particular guidance.

How Can I Keep My Pet Safe Around Guests?

Are you expecting to have a packed house? It’s always nice to reunite with loved ones over a delicious meal. Pets may certainly provide an added layer of affection, comfort, and coziness. Just take a few precautions to keep your pet safe.

Make sure your pet is fixed, microchipped, and up to date on vaccines and parasite control. This is just basic general care, but it is always worth reiterating!

Ask guests not to feed or offer treats to your pet without first verifying with you. This is especially crucial for small children, as they may not understand what is unsafe and may attempt to share their food with your pet.

Pets have a tendency to get underfoot. This can be cute, but it’s also deadly. A curious, friendly pet’s paws or tails might easily be stepped on or caught in a door or under a chair. Keep an eye on Fido and Fluffy.

It’s also worth remembering that certain pets do better with guests than others. If your pet is apprehensive or wary of visitors, tire them out with playtime before your guests arrive. You might also provide a new toy as a diversion. If your pet becomes excessively anxious, ask your veterinarian about using soothing products. You can also learn ways to help your pet deal more effectively.

Book An Appointment At Our Pet Clinic.

Happy Thanksgiving! We wish you and your families a wonderful day. We are grateful to all of you. Please feel free to contact All About Animals Veterinary Services, your Carrollton, GA pet hospital, serving the Villa Rica Area area. We are here to help!