Keeping Your Pets Safe This Thanksgiving 

Can you believe it’s Thanksgiving already? Among all the things we are grateful for, we are especially thankful for our pets! Our furry friends give us so much love, support, and loyalty. They bring us comfort, companionship, and of course, endless cuddles. They always manage to keep us chuckling with their cute little habits and playful shenanigans. 

That said, it’s important to note that Turkey Day can come with a few risks for pet owners to keep in mind. Check out some tips from a local vet in Brampton, ON, about keeping your pets safe this Thanksgiving.

What kinds of meat can pets safely eat?

It’s totally fine to treat your four-legged friend to something special. Just make sure to stick with food items that are safe for pets. 

Meat is usually okay, as long as it’s cooked all the way through. Some safe choices include steak, pork, beef, deli meat, and a few others. There are a few caveats, however. First, it’s best to avoid giving your pet meat on the bone. When you cook bones, they can get brittle and might break into sharp pieces. This is risky because bone shards can not only lead to choking but also cause serious internal injuries should your pet swallow them. 

If your pet has an affinity for organ meats, like liver, it’s best to give them as a treat only sparingly. If not careful, it could lead to Vitamin A toxicity. It’s also a good idea to offer fatty meats like bacon and sausage only in moderation. And never give pets anything that’s slathered in sauces or toppings. Steer clear of anything that’s been seasoned with garlic, onion, or other ingredients that aren’t safe for them. 

The same rules apply for fish and poultry. Feel free to share some of that tasty turkey with your pet! 

Which fruits are safe for pets? 

Here are some fruits that are safe for companion animals to consume: 

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

Which vegetables are okay for dogs and cats to eat? 

When it comes to veggies, Fluffy and Fido can enjoy a bunch of autumn favorites, like cooked squash, pumpkin, or sweet potato. Just be sure that everything is unseasoned; pumpkin packed with butter and cinnamon isn’t great for your furry friend. 

Here’s a more complete list of some of the safe ones: 

• Carrots 
• Green beans 
• Broccoli 
• Celery 
• Sweet potatoes
• Beets
• Peas 
• Spinach 
• Brussels sprouts 
• Cucumber 
• Kale 
• Bell pepper 
• Squash and potato 
• Zucchini 
• Cauliflower and corn 
• Lettuce
• Pumpkins 
• Asparagus 
• Cabbage

Generally, it’s a good idea to take out any seeds, pits, or rinds. Make sure to check the size, as you might need to chop up the produce before giving it to your pet. Foods like broccoli and cauliflower are best served only every now and then. Check in with your Brampton, ON vet for some tailored advice.

Which foods should pets avoid? 

It’s interesting how some things that are good for us can actually be harmful to our pets. Dogs tend to be at a higher risk since they’ll munch on just about anything, whereas cats are a little more selective with their food. Do research before giving your pet anything, just to make sure it’s safe for them. 

Here are a few things you definitely should never give your pet: 

Grapes, currants, and raisins: Did you know that these tart fruits can be really dangerous for pets? Some pets can end up in kidney failure after eating just one. Scientists recently figured out what’s behind it all: tartaric acid. 

Cherries: When it comes to cherries, the problem isn’t the fruit itself—it’s the pits, which have arsenic in them. Also, cherries are often soaked in really sweet sauces, and those have more sugar than is good for our furry friends. It’s probably a good idea to play it safe and just avoid the cherries altogether. 

Xylitol: Often called birch sugar, xylitol is a sugar substitute that can be really harmful to pets. Unfortunately, it’s found in many processed foods, especially baked goods. Sometimes, it’s mixed into peanut butter, which is usually safe for your furry friend to enjoy. Always check the ingredients!

Onions and Garlic: Along with the whole Allium family, onions and garlic can be very harmful to pets. This also includes scallions, shallots, leeks, and chives. The problem is that these foods contain organosulphoxides, which are toxins that can harm your pet’s red blood cells and lead to anemia. 

Macadamia Nuts: Consuming these nuts could cause weakness, tremors, vomiting, lethargy, and even hypothermia. 

Corn on the Cob: Corn kernels are okay, but the cob is a no-go for pets. Consuming these can lead to dangerous, and maybe even deadly, intestinal blockages. 

Tomatoes: While tomato flesh isn’t the worst option for Fido, it’s not exactly the best choice either. That’s because tomatoes contain solanine, which can be toxic to pups. The leaves especially can be risky. 

Chocolate: Chocolate has methylxanthines, which can be harmful to our furry friends. If your pet eats it, he or she might experience vomiting, an irregular heart rate, and even seizures. Sadly, just one ounce per pound of your pet’s body weight can be deadly. 

Alcohol: Last but not least, alcohol is also on the list.

There are definitely other foods out there that, while maybe not as risky as the ones we’ve talked about, can still be a bit unsafe. A lot of casseroles, for example, contain a lot of fat, cream, and cheese, and those aren’t great for companion animals. 

Check in with your vet in Brampton, ON for specific guidance.

What are some ways to keep my pet safe when I have guests over? 

Planning a full house for Thanksgiving? Reconnecting with loved ones over some tasty food is always a wonderful experience, but if you have pets in the home, it’s wise to take a few precautions to ensure a safe holiday. 

First, just a friendly reminder to get your furry family member fixed, microchipped, and make sure they’re up to date on their vaccinations and parasite control. This is really just good general care, but it’s worth mentioning again.

We also suggest asking guests to hold off on feeding your pet or giving them treats unless they check with you first. It’s important to keep an eye on young kids because they might not realize what’s safe and could end up sharing food that is dangerous to your pet. 

Pets really have a knack for getting in the way. It can definitely be adorable, but there’s also a risk involved. It’s easy for a curious, friendly pet to accidentally get stepped on or have their paws or tails caught in a door or under a chair. Make sure to watch over Fido and Fluffy. 

Some pets handle having guests around better than others, and that’s something to keep in mind as well. If your pet seems a bit anxious or shy around guests, try giving them a good play session to wear them out before your visitors show up. Offering a new toy to keep them distracted can also help. If your furry friend seems especially anxious, it might be a good idea to chat with your Brampton, ON vet about some calming products.  

Schedule a visit at our Brampton, ON pet clinic! 

Hope you’re having a wonderful Thanksgiving! We’re really thankful for each and every one of you. Don’t hesitate to get in touch for any of your pet’s care needs! We’re always here to help you and your furry friends at our Brampton, ON animal clinic!