Thanksgiving Dangers: Keeping Your Pets Safe with Veterinarian Jennifer Lally Pettit
As Thanksgiving rolls around, families gather to celebrate with feasts and festivities, but it’s important to remember that this joyous occasion can pose significant risks for our furry friends. Veterinarian Jennifer Lally Pettit, who has two decades of experience in the Benicia/Vallejo area, recalls a memorable case that perfectly illustrates these dangers. “Sarah, the golden retriever, swallowed an entire corn cob on Thanksgiving,” she said. Her owners rushed her to the vet as she began vomiting. Thankfully, Pettit was able to save her, but Sarah’s story serves as a cautionary tale to keep pets safe during the holiday.
Understanding Common Thanksgiving Toxins
The first step in ensuring pets’ safety is to be aware of foods that can be toxic to them. “Toxins are the main thing,” warns Pettit. Many foods that are staples during Thanksgiving can cause severe health issues for pets. Chocolate, in any form—milk, dark, or even white—can be toxic to dogs and cats. It’s not just sweet treats that pose a threat; ingredients like currants, raisins, and grapes are also harmful and can lead to kidney failure in pets.
Pettit emphasizes the dangers of common cooking ingredients: “Garlic, onions, chives, and leeks can upset a dog’s stomach and can cause life-threatening anemia in cats." Additionally, she points out that bones can splinter and cause serious injuries, and that the twine or string used to wrap turkey can create gastrointestinal issues if swallowed.
Setting Guest Guidelines
Family gatherings often lead to well-meaning guests wanting to share their food with your pets. To avoid any mishaps, Pettit advises pet owners to be proactive. “Ask your guests not to give treats or table scraps to your pets,” she suggests. This simple communication can prevent accidental poisonings.
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) also highlights another risk: personal items and medications belonging to guests could potentially be ingested by pets. “Remind your guests to keep their personal items up and out of paws’ reach,” the ASPCA advises, noting that pet ingestion of human medication can lead to serious health issues.
Securing the Environment
One of the most common issues pet owners face during Thanksgiving is trash can depredation. "Secure your trash cans," Pettit states, sharing her own experience. "My dog is the worst. As soon as you turn your back on him, he is all over the trash, and the trash is all over." It’s a relatable scenario for many pet owners; keeping trash secure can prevent disaster when distractions arise.
Moreover, with the influx of guests and heightened activity, it might be wise to provide a safe space for your pet. “Block off the kitchen with a baby gate,” Pettit suggests, noting that pets don’t belong in the bustling cooking area during family gatherings. If possible, creating a quiet space in another room, away from the noise, can help pets remain calm.
Preparing for Anxiety
The stress of a crowded home can overwhelm some pets, particularly those who have grown accustomed to a more solitary lifestyle during recent years. Pettit notes that many pets developed anxiety during the COVID lockdown, having spent more time at home with their owners. “More and more dogs in this generation of COVID are not good around a lot of people,” she said. As a preventive measure, anti-anxiety medications could be beneficial for some pets, allowing them to feel more secure amidst the chaos.
Treating Pets Safely
While it’s important to keep pets away from toxic foods, it’s still nice to include them in the holiday spirit. Pettit reminds pet owners that small amounts of certain safe foods can be shared. According to the Schwarzman Animal Medical Center, a spoonful of unseasoned green beans, plain mashed potatoes, or apples (without seeds) can be suitable treats for pets during Thanksgiving. Moderation is key, and monitoring the amount is crucial to keep animals healthy.
Emergency Preparedness
If a pet does ingest something harmful, knowing what to do can be crucial. The ASPCA advises immediately calling a veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control hotline at (888) 426-4435. This hotline is available 24/7 but be aware that a consultation fee may apply. Knowing this information ahead of time can save valuable moments in the event of an emergency.
Thanksgiving is a time for celebration and connection, but it’s essential to remain vigilant about protecting our beloved pets from potential dangers. By following the guidelines shared by Pettit, pet owners can create a safe and enjoyable environment for everyone during the holiday.
