Zucchini-Pea-Thankful

Photo by: Stacey Axelrod

Stacey Axelrod

Gobble Up These Thanksgiving Pet Safety Tips

With over 845,000 dogs and cats newly adopted and fostered this year amid COVID, Best Friends Animal Society offers some helpful tips on celebrating the holiday with your pet (safely).

November 21, 2020

Go Easy on the Gravy

Photo by: Molly Wald

Molly Wald

A hungry pet can get into a lot of trouble near the culinary creations of Thanksgiving. It might be tempting to let your pet stick around while you cook or sneak some scraps under the table but keep in mind, rich foods can lead to trouble for our four legged friends. Dense or fatty foods, or simply something new and unfamiliar, can upset a pet’s stomach and even cause pancreatitis, which can be life-threatening.

The Ultimutt Feast

Poultry or ham bones can break up or splinter in a pet’s stomach and even be deadly, so dogs and cats should not gnaw on them. Other food-flavored items like plastic wrapping, turkey twine, mesh or even the pop-up timer can smell tempting to a curious pet, but could lead to injury if ingested.

Chocolate, especially that used for baking, is toxic for dogs, and should also be kept out of reach. Avoid sharing onions, raisins and grapes, as those are known to be poisonous for dogs as well.

Instead, prepare a healthy and safe meal for your pet with pet-friendly treats or fun toys on hand.

It’s also a good idea to review these rules with any guests too, since well-meaning holiday visitors might not know the potential harm caused by slipping pets a piece of the pie.

Festive Foes

(not new, from Dropbox archives)

(not new, from Dropbox archives)

Photo by: Sarah Ause Kichas

Sarah Ause Kichas

One more thing to keep in mind around the holidays is decorations - many plants and flowers can be toxic for curious cats and dogs, so before buying that centerpiece, double check it won’t cause any harm to your pet. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), some plant hazards include amaryllis, baby’s breath, sweet William, some ferns, and hydrangeas.

Thanksgiving is often one of the busiest evenings for emergency vet clinics, so it’s important to be extra careful with our animal friends - especially this year, when many animal hospitals are operating under COVID restrictions. Let’s make it a happy and healthy holiday for everyone, even if this year might look a little different! One thing is for certain - thousands of newly adopted dogs and cats are thankful to be in homes.

(not new, from Dropbox archives)

(not new, from Dropbox archives)

Photo by: Sarah Ause Kichas

Sarah Ause Kichas

Next Up

The Three Sisters: Legendary Companion Crops

Meet the legendary crops called the Three Sisters: corn, beans, and squash.

Learn How to Make Eve's Cornbread

Here’s a fantastic cornbread recipe from Eve to go along for your Thanksgiving meal this year! Celebrate Thanksgiving, Kilcher style.

Go Green for the Holidays

This year going green for the holidays is easier than ever with these simple tips.

The 2020 Fat Bear Week Champion has been Crowned

This year's fattest bear champion is raising the bar for the jiggliest bear bod in the game. Mother Nature's out done herself with this annual hyperphagic marvel. See photos of the 2020 winner and some favorite memories from Fat Bear Week.

Time is Running Out for Maple Trees

More than one in five species of maple trees faces extinction a shocking new report has revealed, while also warning that 75% of the threatened species are “geographically restricted” in their native regions.

Everything You Need to Know About the Fall Bird Migration

It’s fall, which means one thing: the autumnal bird migration.

Wolves Work Hard to Help Our Ecosystem

Wolf Awareness Week is October 18–24. This week is dedicated to understanding wolves and their impact on the ecosystem. Let's celebrate this beautiful creature and dedicate some time to learning more about them.

The Color of Autumn's Changing Leaves Comes Down to Chemistry

Sweater weather is here, along with the color of autumn's changing leaves. But where do those warm colors come from? It all comes down to Chemistry. Read on.