Thanksgiving Pet Safety Guide: Keeping Your Pets Healthy (and Happy) This Holiday

Thanksgiving is one of the most joyful times of the year, a season filled with cozy gatherings, delicious food, and quality time at home. As pet parents, it’s natural to want our four-legged family members to be part of the celebration. Before you slip your dog a bite of turkey or let your cat lick a spoon of gravy, it’s important to know which holiday foods could put their health at risk.

At Vetr, we want every pet (and person) to enjoy the holiday stress-free. Here’s our guide to keeping your pets safe and healthy this Thanksgiving.

🦴 The Dangerous Side of Thanksgiving Foods

Many traditional Thanksgiving dishes contain ingredients that are harmless to humans but toxic or irritating to pets.

1. Turkey Bones & Fatty Skin Turkey bones can splinter easily, causing choking hazards or serious internal injuries. Fatty turkey skin and drippings can also trigger pancreatitis, a painful and potentially life-threatening condition. 

2. Stuffing & Casseroles These crowd favorites often contain onions, garlic, chives, or rich seasonings, all of which can damage red blood cells and cause anemia in dogs and cats. Even small amounts can be harmful.

3. Desserts (Especially Chocolate & Xylitol) Chocolate, raisins, grapes, and anything made with xylitol (a sugar substitute found in sugar-free baked goods) are highly toxic to pets and may even cause kidney or liver failure. Keep desserts out of reach, and remind guests not to share snacks with furry friends.

4. Alcohol & Caffeine Even small sips of alcoholic beverages or caffeine can cause serious reactions, from vomiting to seizures. Keep glasses, coffee mugs, and cocktail ingredients away from curious pets.

🥕 Safe Snacks to Share

If you want your pet to join the feast, there are plenty of safe, pet-friendly options.

✅ Plain turkey (no skin, bones, or seasoning) 

✅ Steamed or raw veggies like green beans, carrots, peas, or pumpkin purée 

✅ Sweet potatoes (plain, baked, or mashed, no butter or marshmallows) 

✅ Apple slices (without seeds or core)

💛 From Our Team to Yours

At Vetr, we’re thankful for our amazing community of pet parents who make caring for animals such a joy. Whether you’re celebrating with family, friends, or your furry best friend, we hope your Thanksgiving is full of warmth, gratitude, and plenty of tail wags.

If you have any concerns about your pet’s health this holiday season, or want to schedule an in-home visit before the busy winter months, our team is here to help.

Book a home visit today at vetrhealth.com and enjoy peace of mind knowing your pet’s care comes right to your doorstep.