Thanksgiving is a festive time full of food, family, and friends. As dedicated pet owners, you’ve surely thought about how to include your furry friends in your seasonal celebrations, but you must be careful. Many of the foods that we enjoy during the holiday season are toxic for dogs and cats, so diligence is required when monitoring what your pets have access to in the kitchen. Use our quick guide to ensure your pets stay safe and healthy while enjoying holiday treats. If your pet eats something toxic during the Thanksgiving holiday, contact Pet Urgent Care of Wesley Chapel immediately at 813-279-6500.
Foods Toxic to Dogs
Dogs are notorious for begging under the table or sneaking scraps when no one’s looking. However, some Thanksgiving staples are not only unhealthy but downright dangerous for them.
Chocolate, Caffeine, & Other Methylxanthines
Chocolate contains theobromine, a compound that is highly toxic to dogs. Dark chocolate and baking chocolate are particularly dangerous. Similarly, caffeinated drinks and other methylxanthines can cause vomiting, diarrhea, rapid breathing, seizures, and even death in severe cases.
Grapes, Raisins, & Sultanas
Grapes and their dried counterparts – raisins and sultanas – should always be kept out of a dog’s reach. These fruits can cause acute kidney failure in dogs, even in small amounts. Avoid sharing desserts like fruitcakes or any dish containing these ingredients with your dog.
Onion & Garlic
Onion and garlic are found in many Thanksgiving dishes, but these foods should never be given to dogs. They can damage red blood cells, leading to anemia if left untreated. Avoid cooked, raw, powdered, or any form of these ingredients. Stuffing and gravy recipes are common culprits.
Avocado
Avocado contains persin, which can cause vomiting and diarrhea in dogs. While the flesh is less toxic than the pit, peel, or leaves, it’s still best to keep avocado off the menu for your pup.
Macadamia Nuts
Even a small quantity of macadamia nuts can lead to lethargy, vomiting, tremors, and hyperthermia in dogs. These nuts are often used in baked goods, so check any cookies or desserts you purchase or that are brought in by guests.
Xylitol
Xylitol is a sugar substitute found in sugar-free gums, candies, and baked goods. It can cause a dangerous drop in blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia) and liver failure in dogs.
Alcohol
Alcoholic beverages and dishes containing alcohol can be extremely toxic to dogs. Even small amounts can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, tremors, and potentially a coma.
Foods Toxic to Cats
Cats aren’t known for digging in the trash like their canine counterparts, but they are still susceptible to eating something toxic during the holiday season. Common Thanksgiving foods that are not recommended for cats include:
Onions & Garlic
Just like with dogs, onions and garlic are dangerous for cats. They can cause oxidative damage to red blood cells, leading to anemia. Even small amounts in gravies, sauces, or sides can be harmful.
Raw Eggs, Meat, & Bones
Cats may be carnivores, but eating raw foods comes with risks. Raw eggs can carry salmonella or E. coli, while raw meat and bones can cause choking or gastrointestinal blockages, especially when cooked.
Chocolate & Caffeinated Drinks
Chocolate is as toxic to cats as it is to dogs, and caffeinated beverages can lead to hyperactivity, rapid heart rate, and seizures. Keep dessert tables and mugs of coffee out of reach.
Alcohol
Alcohol in any form is toxic to cats, even in very small amounts.
Raw Dough
Raw dough can expand in a cat’s stomach, causing bloating and potentially life-threatening conditions.
Grapes, Raisins, & Sultanas
Grapes, raisins, and sultanas pose a significant risk to cats’ kidneys, just as they do to dogs. Even a single grape can lead to severe symptoms, including lethargy and vomiting.
Pet-Friendly Thanksgiving Tips
Follow these tips to keep your pets safe during the Thanksgiving holiday:
Stick to Pet-Safe Foods
Cook up some plain turkey, minus the skin and seasoning, to offer to your dog or cat during the Thanksgiving meal. Plain sweet potatoes and green beans are also great options for pets who love their veggies.
Create a Safe Zone
The busy coming and going of the holidays can be very stressful for pets, so make sure they have a quiet area where they can escape and relax.
Educate Guests
Ask your guests not to share table scraps with your pets, or restrict the pet’s entry to the dining area during meals.
Have Emergency Numbers Handy
Keep your veterinarian’s contact information and the number for a pet poison control hotline like the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (1-888-426-4435) easily accessible in case of an emergency. If you suspect that your pet has eaten something toxic, do not hesitate to seek veterinary care. For urgent pet care needs on evenings, weekends, and even on Thanksgiving in Tampa Bay, Pet Urgent Care of Wesley Chapel is here to help. We’re open when traditional vet offices close, giving you peace of mind over the holidays. If your pet has eaten toxic food and your regular vet’s office is closed, call us at 813-279-6500 to let us know you’re coming, then bring your pet to our office located at 27027 State Road 56, Wesley Chapel, FL, 33544.
