Thanksgiving is a special day to reflect on everything that we are thankful for! But at the same time, the day can present factors that could be trying for our furry friends. Are you and your pet ready for the hazards of Turkey Day?

Here are a few Thanksgiving pet safety tips for a safe holiday… and a special recipe for some pet-friendly Thanksgiving treats! What are you thankful for, pet parents?

Stress and Anxiety

If you are having a crowd for Thanksgiving, make sure your pets have a safe place to go.  With all the coming and going your pet might inadvertently slip out the door and even become lost, so provide a room with your pet's favorite things —toys, soft bed, and quiet - until things are settled.  

If your pet would rather not meet guests, they can stay in there during the festivities. If your pets like to be social, then they can greet your guests, but always provide them with their own space so they can avoid the hustle and bustle if they want to. Holidays can be very stressful for your pet.

The Holiday Food

Turkey can be totally appropriate for pets, as long as they have no food allergies.  If your dog or cat is not getting home cooked meals, then go easy on the amount you allow them to taste, and be sure to eliminate fat and skin. Otherwise you put your pet at risk for pancreatitis! Feed the cooked white breast meat only as a treat.

Gizzards, sweet potatoes and lean turkey ( all in moderation) are great snacks for pets.

That said some foods aren’t good for pets! Onions, garlic, chives, shallots, grapes, raisins, chocolate, candy, caffeinated foods and beverages, certain nuts, and alcoholic beverages are all on the list of toxic foods that your pet should not have.  Never allow your pet to gain access to any harmful foods; store them inside a closed cabinet or the refrigerator.

Garbage and Bones

Turkey and ham bones are very dangerous—do not give these to your pets as it can cause vomiting, diarrhea, constipation or even death if a bone punctures the intestinal tracts. Save yourself a trip to the animal ER and give your pet a chew toy instead!

The garbage after your Thanksgiving feast can be quite tempting to our pets. The smells from it attract many animals and it is chock full of potential toxins—coffee grounds, bones, fat covered aluminum foil, spoiled food. Get it out of the house and away from paw’s reach as soon as possible.

A Pet-Friendly Treat

As promised, these are a hit with most pets during the holidays! Here is a safe and tasty treat that your pet will love. Let them enjoy the festivities alongside the family. 

Thanksgiving Pumpkin Peanut Butter Biscuits

• 2 1/2 cups flour ( prefer whole wheat but you can use rice or quinoa if you like)
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 tsp of olive oil ( you can substitute canola, corn or another oil of your choice)
• 1 mashed banana
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 cup canned pumpkin
• 2 tablespoons peanut butter
• Pinch of Salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

Whisk together the flour, oil, baking soda, eggs, pumpkin, banana, peanut butter, salt, and cinnamon in a bowl. Add water as needed to help make the dough workable, but the dough should be dry and stiff. Roll the dough into a 1/2-inch-thick roll. Cut into 1/2-inch pieces.

Bake in preheated oven until hard, about 40 minutes.

From all of us and our pets to you, your loved ones and furry friends, have a Happy Thanksgiving and holiday season!