Thanksgiving Pet Safety

Can you believe that it’s already Thanksgiving? Pets definitely top the list of things that we are grateful for. Our animal companions provide us with unconditional love, unwavering support and devotion, comfort, companionship, and, endless cuddles. They also keep  us laughing with their adorable habits and playful antics. However, Turkey Day does pose a few dangers for pet owners to be aware of. Read on as a local Orlando, FL vet offers some advice on Thanksgiving pet safety.

What Type Of Meat Can Pets Have?

There’s nothing wrong with giving your furry best friend something special. Just be sure to stick with things that are safe.

Meat is generally fine, as long as it’s been thoroughly cooked. The list of safe options includes steak, pork, beef, deli meat, and so on.  There are a few caveats, though. 

First and foremost? Never let your pet have meat on the bone. Bones become quite brittle when cooked, and can break into sharp shards. These are extremely dangerous, as they not only pose choking hazards, but can cause severe internal damage if swallowed.

Organ meats, such as liver, should only be given occasionally. Otherwise, they can cause Vitamin A toxicity. Fatty meats, such as bacon and sausage, should also be offered sparingly. Finally, don’t give pets things that are covered in sauces or toppings. You’ll also want to avoid giving pets anything that was seasoned with garlic, onion, or other unsafe foods.

The same rules apply for fish and poultry. Go ahead and give your pet a bit of that delicious turkey!

What Fruits Are Safe For Pets?

The list of safe and unsafe foods for dogs and cats is pretty much the same. 

Here’s a more thorough list of some of the foods that are fine for pets:

• Apple
• Raspberry
• Watermelon
• Blueberries
• Bananas
• Pears
• Cantaloupe
• Mango
• Pineapple
• Oranges
• Peaches
• Cranberries
• Apricots
• Blackberry
• Figs

What Vegetables Are Safe For Dogs?

Fido can also have quite a few veggies. In fact, veggies are just as good for dogs as they are for us!

As for veggies, Fluffy and Fido can have many autumn favorites, such as cooked squash, pumpkin, or sweet potato. Just make sure that everything is unseasoned: pumpkin that is loaded with butter and cinnamon would not be good for your furry buddy.

Here is a fuller list of some of the safe ones:

• Carrots
• Green beans
• Broccoli
• Celery
• Sweet potatoes
• Beets
• Peas
• Spinach
• Brussels sprouts
• Cucumber
• Kale
• Bell pepper
• Squash
• Potato
• Zucchini
• Cauliflower
• Corn
• Lettuce
• Pumpkin
• Asparagus
• Cabbage
• Blueberries

As a general rule, you would want to remove any seeds, pips, or rinds. You’ll also want to keep an eye on the size, and may need to cut the produce up before handing it over. 

Some foods, like broccoli and cauliflower, should only be offered on occasion. Ask your vet for specific advice.

What Foods Are Unsafe For Pets?

Many things that are healthy for us are actually toxic to our furry friends. Dogs are somewhat more at risk, just because they will eat pretty much anything, while kitties are a bit pickier. However, some cats will eat anything they can get their paws on. As a rule of thumb, you should never give your pet anything without researching it first to ensure that it’s safe.

Here are some of the things that you should never give your pet:

Grapes, Currants, and Raisins: These tart fruits are actually extremely deadly to pets. Some pets can go into kidney failure after eating just one! Though more research is needed, scientists have only recently pinpointed the culprit: tartaric acid.

Cherries: With cherries, the issue isn’t the fruit: it’s the pits, which contain arsenic. Many cherries are also marinated in super sweet sauces, which contain more sugar than is healthy for our furry pals to consume. It’s best to just err on the side of caution and skip the cherries altogether.

Xylitol: Sometimes labeled as birch sugar, xylitol is a sugar substitute that is extremely dangerous for pets. Unfortunately, it’s added to many processed foods, particularly baked goods. It’s also sometimes added to peanut butter, which would normally be safe for your furry friend to consume.

Onions and Garlic: The entire Allium family is toxic to pets. That includes not just garlic and onion, but also scallions, shallots, leeks, and chives. The issue is that these foods contain organosulphoxides, a toxin which damage your pet’s red blood cells, causing anemia.

Macadamia Nuts: Macadamia nuts can cause your furry friend to get quite sick. Consumption may lead to weakness, tremors, vomiting, depression, and hypothermia.

Corn On The Cob: While corn kernels are fine, the cob is definitely not safe for pets to consume. This can cause dangerous—and possibly lethal—intestinal blockages if consumes.

Tomatoes: Tomato flesh isn’t the worst thing Fido could eat, but it’s not great for him either. Tomatoes contain something called solanine which is toxic to pups. The leaves are particularly dangerous. It’s also worth noting that green tomatoes or tomato parts have a higher concentration than ripe flesh. However, the entire fruit contains solanine.

Chocolate: Chocolate contains methylxanthines, which are poisonous to pets. If eaten, it can cause vomiting, an abnormal heart rate, and seizures. Unfortunately, it can be fatal at just one ounce per pound of your pet’s body weight.

Alcohol, of course, is also on the list. There are also quite a few foods that may not be as dangerous as those we’ve listed, but are still unsafe. Many casseroles, for instance, have a lot of fat, cream, and cheese, which aren’t good for pets.

Ask your Orlando, FL vet for specific advice.

How Do I Keep My Pet Safe With Guests?

Are you planning to have a full house? It’s always great to reconnect with loved ones over some delicious food. Pets can definitely add an extra layer of love, comfort, and coziness. You will want to take a few precautions.

Make sure that your furry pal is fixed, microchipped, and up to date on vaccinations and parasite control. This is just good general care, but it always bears repeating!

Ask guests not to feed your pet or offer any treats without checking with you first. This is especially important with young children, as they may not know what isn’t safe and could try to share their food with your furry friend.

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

It’s also worth noting that some pets cope better with guests than others. If your pet is nervous or wary of visitors, tire them out with a fun play session before your company arrives.  You can also offer a new toy as a distraction. If your furry pal gets extremely anxious, ask your vet about using calming products. You can also get some tips on how to help your pet cope better.

Make An Appointment At Our Orlando, FL Pet Clinic

Happy Thanksgiving! We hope that you and your families have a wonderful day. We are definitely grateful for all of you. Please feel free to reach out for all of your pet’s care needs. As your Orlando, FL animal clinic, we are always here to help!