Thanksgiving is a busy day for most homes, and pets can get swept up in the excitement. To help you keep your furry family members safe, we’ve put together a quick set of tips you can share with friends and followers. Nothing complicated, just the things we see most often in shelters and vet clinics this time of year.
Dogs and Thanksgiving
Food Safety
Dogs don’t always make the best choices around food (we’re looking at you, counter surfers). Many holiday dishes can upset their stomach or cause serious illness. Keep them away from turkey skin, bones, gravy, stuffing, sweets, and anything with alcohol.
Turkey
If you’d like to give a little treat, plain cooked turkey is okay in small amounts. Skip the skin, skip the bones, and definitely skip anything seasoned with garlic, onions, or rich spices.
Crowds & Stress
Big gatherings can overwhelm some dogs. Make sure they have a quiet spot to retreat to if the celebration gets too lively.
Walks & Routine
Stick to their normal walk and potty routine. A little exercise goes a long way toward keeping them relaxed.
Cats and Thanksgiving
Toxic Foods
Many Thanksgiving foods are unsafe for cats, too—especially onions, garlic, raisins, grapes, and chocolate. Even tiny amounts can be a problem.
Turkey Portions
If you’re sharing a bit of turkey, offer a small, plain piece with no seasoning or skin.
Quiet Spaces
Visitors, noise, and new smells can make cats disappear under the bed faster than you can say “leftovers.” Give them a calm place where they can observe (or ignore) the festivities.
Decorations
Keep an eye on decorations, cords, and small objects. Cats love to bat things around—and sometimes chew on them—which can lead to trouble.
General Tips
Pet-Proof the House
With food, bags, and decorations everywhere, take a quick look around for anything a curious pet might get into.
Garbage & Leftovers
Secure your trash and leftovers right away. We’ve all seen that infamous Christmas Vacation scene—let’s not recreate it at home.
Attention & Comfort
Amid the cooking and company, don’t forget the basics: food, water, bathroom breaks, and a little one-on-one time. Your pets won’t complain, but they’ll notice.
If you want more detailed guidance, the AVMA has a solid holiday safety overview you can check out.
Remember, while it’s tempting to share holiday treats with pets, it’s best to have them stick to their regular diet to avoid problems.
Here are some shelter thanksgiving graphics and guide templates:
| Image | Title | Summary | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Help Fill Their Bowl This Thanksgiving | While we’re filling our plates this Thanksgiving, some pets are just hoping for dinner. Your donation helps us fill every bowl with food — and every h… Oh, no! This content requires a higher membership level to view. Not a member? Join for Free Today or Upgrade Your Account to Pro. … | |
 | Flyer – Thanksgiving Pet Safety Tips | Oh, no! This content requires a higher membership level to view. Not a member? Join for Free Today or Upgrade Your Account to Pro. … | |
 | Best leftovers are the ones who stay | We’ve got leftovers that won’t go bad — they’ll just love you forever. 🐶🐱 Come meet our adoptable pets and take home something that truly warms your h… Oh, no! This content requires a higher membership level to view. Not a member? Join for Free Today or Upgrade Your Account to Pro. … | |
 | Adopt for Thanksgiving | 🧡 A new pet could make this Thanksgiving unforgettable. Adopt and give a loving animal a forever family! #ThankfulForAdoption #AdoptForThanksgiving #S… Oh, no! This content requires a higher membership level to view. Not a member? Join for Free Today or Upgrade Your Account to Pro. … | |
 | Thanksgiving Holiday Safety Tips | 🦃 Thanksgiving’s a time for family, but let’s keep our pets safe, too! Watch for table scraps and decorations that could be dangerous to your dogs and… Oh, no! This content requires a higher membership level to view. Not a member? Join for Free Today or Upgrade Your Account to Pro. … | |
 | Thank You Support – Thanksgiving | As we gather to celebrate Thanksgiving, we want to express our deepest gratitude to each and every one of you who support us. Your generosity has fill… Oh, no! This content requires a higher membership level to view. Not a member? Join for Free Today or Upgrade Your Account to Pro. … | |
 | Feast for Furry Friends | We’re gathering nutritious food and treats to ensure every pet in our care enjoys a special feast. Join us in spreading joy and comfort to these furry… Oh, no! This content requires a higher membership level to view. Not a member? Join for Free Today or Upgrade Your Account to Pro. … |
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