Thanksgiving Pet Safety Tips

---

It’s that time of the year when the house is filled with aroma of delicious foods and everyone’s mouth is watering in anticipation of the great Thanksgiving meal—even your pets (especially your begging dog)!

Unfortunately for your pet, they are better off not partaking in the feast for their own safety.

Say "no"  to those puppy dog eyes and avoid an emergency trip to the vet. 

Can your pets eat ....

Turkey? The answer is yes and no.  Turkey meat without the seasonings (found mostly on the skin) is fine for your pet in small amounts.

Dressing? No. Dressing contains a combination of ingredients that may be toxic to your pet like onions, as well as other seasonings that could easily cause a stomach upset. 

Gravy? No. Gravy is not good for your dog for the same reason as dressing, the seasonings, plus there is the added fat that your pet does not need.

Casseroles? No. Casseroles contain a variety of ingredients, best left for human consumption.

Sweet Potatoes? Yes, but only the cooked sweet potato without butter and seasonings.

Desserts? No! Sweets and many nuts are not good for pets and chocolate can be fatal. Xylitol (artificial sweetener) can be lethal.

Keep a supply of approved (Made in America) treats on hand to feed with small amounts of approved food so that everyone can have a Happy Thanksgiving!
​

---

Shelia Huffman, Contributor/MHC Board 
​
Shelia recently moved to the Greenwood community of Midland from Dallas where she was a staff writer for White Rock Lake Weekly and a columnist for Bubblelife Media.  A retired travel agent and event planner, she has  been an animal activist her entire life.  Shelia  has a daughter and son-in-law in Midland, a grandson in Dallas and a granddaughter at Texas Tech. She lists cooking and writing about food, and,  of course, playing with her Terrier Mix rescue, Penelope, as some of her favorite things.