Keep the Feast Fun: A Pet Sitter's Guide to Thanksgiving Food Safety

Let's talk turkey (pun intended!) about keeping our furry friends safe during Thanksgiving. After years of pet sitting through the holidays, I've seen my share of food-related mishaps, and trust me – spending Thanksgiving at the emergency vet is no one's idea of a good time!

The Food to Avoid List

First things first: I know those puppy dog eyes are hard to resist when you're enjoying your feast, but here's what needs to stay off your pet's plate:

• Turkey bones – These are a huge no-no! They can splinter and cause serious internal damage. And while we're talking turkey, that string used to tie up the bird? Keep it far away from curious cats!
• Stuffing and gravy – Usually loaded with onions and garlic, which can be toxic to both dogs and cats.
• Anything with xylitol – This artificial sweetener shows up in lots of sugar-free desserts and is super dangerous for pets.  Xylitol can be found as an added ingredient in baked goods and nut butters.
• Chocolate desserts – I once had a client whose Lab managed to snag an entire chocolate pie. Not a fun night for anyone involved!

Safe Ways to Include Your Pets

But it's not all "no, no, no!" Here's how you can make the holiday special for your pets:

• Plain, cooked turkey meat (no skin) in small amounts is usually fine
• Plain sweet potato (before you add the marshmallows and butter!)
• Green beans or carrots (raw or plain cooked)
• Consider making simple pet treats using pumpkin puree (plain, not pie filling)

 
Need more holiday pet tips? Reach out to schedule a consultation. Here's to a happy, safe, and peaceful Thanksgiving for all our furry friends! 🦃 🐾