Thanksgiving Food Safety Tips for Pets

Thanksgiving's almost here in the US, and while you're probably busy getting ready to celebrate with family and friends and planning a big meal, be sure to keep an eye on your pets. When it comes to Thanksgiving feasts and holiday celebrations in general, there are a lot of potential food hazards for dogs and cats. It's no wonder many veterinarians notice an uptick in new cases during the months of November and December. At Trupanion, we tend to notice an increase in certain claims (especially food-related) around this time of year as well.

The fact is that you may not be the only one who’s excited to eat a tasty treat, and curious pets getting into the wrong things can quickly lead to holiday veterinary emergencies. Whether you have a dog, cat, or multi-pet household, it's important to follow proper safety procedures to keep your furry friends safe and healthy during Thanksgiving and throughout the holiday season. 

5 Thanksgiving safety tips for dogs and cats

Your beloved pets and Thanksgiving can be a dangerous combination in more ways than you'd think, especially when animals are not properly supervised. Take note of these safety tips before you set the table and be sure to talk with your guests about following them as well.

1. Cover plates before mealtime

One of the biggest Thanksgiving dangers for pets is food and the utensils used to serve food. You never know when your furry family member may try to snag snacks with their paws or jump on the counter, and it may be a while between when food is ready and when it's actually time to eat. Try keeping your food covered prior to serving dinner. Consider getting some plastic food covers to reduce the aromas (and make it harder for prying paws to gain access). Naturally, you'll want at least one person to stay nearby to guard things just in case you have a particularly clever and curious pet.

2. Feed pets before sitting down

To further help keep curious pets at bay, it's a good idea to make sure they're not hungry when it's time for everyone else to sit down for Thanksgiving dinner. Do this by feeding them right before you eat, ensuring they have their own food to keep them distracted from any enticing scents coming from their humans' dinner table. While it's normally not advised to disrupt your pet's feeding schedule, this is one of those times when making an exception could be more beneficial.

3. Secure discarded items

Those turkey bones may seem like they can sit out for a moment while you clean up other things, but be careful as they can be highly dangerous to pets. Clean up cooking utensils and food debris as soon as you're done with them, and contain all food scraps in safe space before they can be properly disposed of safely. This should include a compost bin or other closed container, as just putting them high up will not prevent cats or extra agile dogs from getting to them.

4. Be mindful of pets and dessert

What's Thanksgiving dinner without dessert to top things off? While pumpkin is often considered safe for dogs in small portions, pies are a no-go due to the added sugar and spices. 

Chocolate is likewise one of the most dangerous pet hazards that is often in full force throughout the holiday season. Consider keeping all desserts and sugary snacks out of reach until dessert time. Once they're out, don't leave them unattended and know where your pet is at all times.

5. Provide a pet-safe space

Your pets may do best with a place to play and rest during dinnertime, avoiding the stimulation of sound and smells. They may also just become overwhelmed by the noise and visitors in general. Regardless of the situation, it's important to ensure pets have a safe, quiet place to retreat to and relax.

In addition to reducing pet stress, a pet-friendly space away from the dinner table helps lower the risk of dogs and cats eating something they shouldn't. A comfy bed, water, dog gate, and a variety of toys are all good ways to create a cozy and interactive space that keeps your pet occupied and entertained while you enjoy your Thanksgiving feast in peace.

Put safety first with pets this Thanksgiving

Whether you’re traveling or hosting your own holiday get together, make sure to consider all your family members. But by watching your pet, disposing properly of food waste, and providing a pet-friendly space, your pets may have a wonderful holiday with the family. It's also a good idea to sign your dog or cat up for pet insurance coverage if you haven't done so already and ensure your pal is protected from hazards year-round.

Learn more about staying safe throughout the season by knowing when to tell holiday stress is affecting your pet.