We always include our happy, healthy pets when we share our blessings around the Thanksgiving table, and these particular blessings need extra attention. Our pets face potential pitfalls all year long but especially during the Thanksgiving celebration. Here are four ways to keep your four-legged friend happy, healthy, and safe this Thanksgiving.

#1: Prepare a healthy Thanksgiving feast for your pet

The huge assortment of mouth watering dishes at your Thanksgiving feast is likely the reason your pet—and your human family members—love this holiday most. However, many traditional dishes spell trouble for your pet, because they can cause toxicity, pancreatitis, or a gastrointestinal (GI) obstruction. Keep your furry pal safe from food-related dangers by preparing a healthy feast with pet-friendly dishes that include:

  • Turkey breast — Although your pet may be drooling over a drumstick, stick to sharing white meat that has a lower fat content. Unseasoned, skinless, boneless turkey breast—in small portions—can make an excellent main dish for your pet.
  • Mashed sweet potatoes — Garlic mashed potatoes whipped with butter and served smothered in gravy are delicious, but these ingredients are a recipe for disaster for your pet. Avoid garlic, onions, chives, butter, cream, and other high-fat foods to prevent anemia, stomach upset, and pancreatitis. Instead, whip up the perfect side dish of plain mashed sweet potatoes for your pet.
  • Corn kernels — Your pet no doubt loves the thought of gnawing on a corncob, but chunks can become lodged in their GI tract. Cut some kernels off the cob instead, and leave off the butter, salt, and other seasonings.
  • Biscuits — Bread dough has an interesting texture that may entice your pet to chow down, but unbaked yeast dough can cause alcohol poisoning, stomach bloat, or a GI obstruction. Stick to a small piece of a baked dinner roll, or give your pet a crunchy biscuit.
  • Low-fat yogurt — Skip dessert for your pet, as chocolate and xylitol can cause toxicity. The theobromine and caffeine in chocolate can interfere with cardiac function, while the sweetener xylitol can cause a severe drop in blood sugar and liver failure. Offer your pet a safe sweet such as low-fat yogurt or a dollop of whipped cream on top of plain canned pumpkin—never feed them pumpkin pie.

#2: Design a pet-friendly centerpiece

Seasonal squash, flowers, and other decor brighten up your table, but your pet will not feel bright if they chew on certain blooms and inedible vegetables. Chrysanthemums, lilies, and autumn crocus are most toxic to pets, while asters and pansies can safely add color to your centerpiece. Also, do not use corn cobs, corn stalks, squash, and pumpkins, which may obstruct your pet’s digestive tract if ingested.

#3: Take care of the trash before your pet does

The trash can, which is always loaded down with tasty leftovers and is not as closely supervised as the table, is particularly tempting to pets. As you’re dining on the Thanksgiving feast, your opportunistic pet may be rooting through your trash, scrounging for turkey skin, fat drippings, grease-coated foil, and other food preparation odds and ends. Keep your pet safe from trash toxicities by emptying the bin early and often and securely latching the lid, or placing the can behind a closed door to keep your furry pal out.

#4: Educate guests on proper pet interactions

Most people consider themselves animal lovers, but not everyone interacts properly with cats and dogs, especially with unfamiliar pets on their home turf. To avoid your pet being stressed or putting them in a dangerous situation, remind your guests about these rules:

  • Allow your pet to approach at their own pace — Many guests are tempted to rush up to your adorable pet and begin petting or snuggling, but most pets do not appreciate cuddles from strangers. Ask your guests to wait for your pet to approach and investigate them and to let your pet walk away rather than interact, if they choose. Ensure guests, especially children, do not restrain your pet because they want to keep playing, hugging, or petting them, which can cause your pet extreme anxiety and discomfort.
  • Refrain from feeding your pet —  Table scraps are a common way to spoil cats and dogs and try to bribe them into becoming your friend. However, ask your guests to refrain from sneaking turkey skin, mashed potatoes and gravy, or chocolate desserts to your pet. Set out a treat jar of approved snacks that your guests can give your pet and remind them that anything else will make your pet sick.
  • Keep their guest room closed to your pet — Curious pets want to investigate your guests’ belongings and will sniff through coats, suitcases, purses, and other unattended items. Prevent a toxic tragedy by ensuring guests place medications, protein bars, chocolate, sugar-free gum, and toiletries out of your pet’s reach, and keep their bedroom door shut.

By preparing for potential pitfalls, you can keep your furry pal safe, happy, and healthy throughout the holiday season. However, if your pet runs into trouble this Thanksgiving season despite your careful plans, count on our Pets & Friends Animal Hospital team to help you get them back on their paws.