Thanksgiving is all about good food and full hearts, but while we enjoy our holiday plates, it is important to remember that many traditional dishes can be harmful to pets. A small treat from the table may seem harmless, but even a tiny amount of certain foods can cause digestive upset or more serious illness.
Why Thanksgiving Foods Can Trigger Pancreatitis
Pancreatitis is one of the most common holiday related emergencies in pets, especially around Thanksgiving. The condition occurs when the pancreas becomes inflamed after being exposed to foods that are too rich or fatty for the digestive system to handle. Even a small amount of turkey skin, gravy, butter soaked vegetables, or fatty table scraps can trigger an episode.
Common signs of pancreatitis include:
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Repeated vomiting
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Loss of appetite
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A tucked abdomen or signs of belly pain
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Diarrhea
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Lethargy
- Restlessness or pacing
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Dehydration
Some pets show only mild symptoms at first, but pancreatitis can progress quickly and become severe. Pets with chronic pancreatitis may also flare during the holidays if they sneak even a tiny portion of high fat food.
Pancreatitis often requires prompt treatment to manage pain, dehydration, and nausea. If you suspect your pet may be showing symptoms, it is important to seek veterinary care early.
Foods to Avoid
Holiday dishes often contain ingredients that are toxic or very high in fat. Pets should never be given the following:
Avoid feeding right before travel to reduce the risk of motion sickness. If your pet is prone to nausea or anxiety, ask your family veterinarian in advance about safe travel aids.
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Turkey skin or fatty leftovers
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Cooked bones
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Stuffing
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Gravy or butter based dishes
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Chocolate desserts
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Grapes and raisins in salads and baked goods
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Dishes containing onion, garlic, or heavy seasoning
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Xylitol sweetened desserts
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Alcoholic beverages or foods made with alcohol
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Casseroles and dishes with cream, cheese, or canned soups
Even a small bite of these foods can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, or pancreatitis.
Safe Thanksgiving Treats for Pets
A few plain ingredients can be shared in moderation as long as they are unseasoned and free of butter, oils, and spices.
Pet safe options include:
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Plain turkey breast with no skin or bones
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Plain cooked pumpkin
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Plain green beans
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Plain carrots
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Small amounts of plain mashed sweet potato
These items are gentle on the stomach, but keep portions small since too much of any new food can cause digestive upset.
Watch the Trash
Even the best travelers can experience stress when routines change. Bring along something familiar that smells like home, such as a blanket or a favorite toy, to help them relax. Maintaining their usual feeding and walking schedule can also help provide comfort and predictability.
If your pet becomes anxious during travel, you can discuss calming options with your family veterinarian before your trip.
The trash can quickly become one of the biggest hidden dangers on Thanksgiving. Curious dogs and cats are naturally drawn to the smells coming from discarded turkey trimmings, greasy food scraps, and oven-roasting materials. Turkey bones can splinter when chewed and may cause choking or dangerous internal injuries. The string or netting used to tie the turkey often soaks up drippings, making it especially tempting for pets to swallow, which can lead to intestinal blockages. Even greasy foil, plastic packaging, and wooden skewers can cause vomiting, diarrhea, or gastrointestinal obstruction if ingested.
Keeping trash secured in a covered bin or taking it outside immediately after cooking and cleaning up can go a long way in preventing an unwanted holiday emergency.
Keep Stress Low During the Holiday
With guests, noise, and new smells, the holiday bustle can be stressful. Set up a quiet room with water, a cozy bed, and familiar toys for pets who prefer calm spaces. Rotating guests and entryways can help prevent accidental escapes.
When to Seek Veterinary Care
If your pet manages to sneak something off the table or starts showing signs of stomach upset, vomiting, diarrhea, or unusual behavior, it is important to take the situation seriously. Many holiday foods can cause issues that progress quickly. In some cases, if a pet has recently eaten something dangerous, vomiting can be safely induced within roughly one hour of ingestion. Because that window is small, quick action makes a meaningful difference. Reaching out for guidance as soon as you realize something has happened is always the best step.
Tell Tail Veterinary Urgent Care will be closed on Thanksgiving Day so our team can spend time with their families, but we will reopen on Friday from 8 AM to 6 PM for any urgent concerns that may come up after the holiday. If your pet needs immediate help while we are closed, please contact your nearest emergency veterinary hospital.
Wishing you and your pets a safe, happy, and spill free Thanksgiving!
