Food Safety Tips

Avoid Dangerous Foods
Some traditional Thanksgiving dishes can be harmful or even toxic to pets. Keep these completely out of reach:

• Turkey bones, dark meat, fatty skin, and gravy (splintering + pancreatitis risk)
• Onions, garlic, chives, stuffing
• Chocolate, raisins, grapes
• Xylitol (found in sugar-free baked goods)

Secure the Trash
Make sure all trash — especially food scraps — is sealed in a pet-proof bin. Curious noses can sniff out danger fast.

Safe Treat Alternatives
If you want to include your pets in the holiday fun, offer simple, vet-approved options like:

• Plain cooked white-meat turkey (no skin, no bones)
• Steamed green beans
• Plain sweet potato

Stress & Environment Safety

Create a Quiet Retreat Space
With guests, noise, and commotion, pets can get overwhelmed. Set up a peaceful room with:

• Their bed or crate
• Favorite toys
• Water
• A “no guests allowed” rule

Watch the Doorways
Pets can dart out when people arrive or leave — assign someone to keep eyes on entryways or use baby gates.

Maintain Calm Energy
Pets feed off your energy — try to keep routines normal and stress low.

Keep Decorations Safe

• Avoid real candles
• Keep small or fragile decorations high up
• Remember: festive plants (like lilies) are toxic to pets.

ID, Collars & Travel

✔️ Update IDs & Microchips
This is the time to double-check:

• ID tags are legible
• Your contact info is current
• Microchip registration is updated

Safe Travel Prep
If you’re traveling:

• Use a secure carrier or harness
• Never let pets roam freely in the car
• Pack essentials: food, water, medications, and comfort items

A Safe Thanksgiving Is a Happy Thanksgiving!

With a little prep, you can keep pets safe, comfortable, and part of the holiday joy.