Thanksgiving is a time for breaking bread with those you love, including all your furry friends. But before you give them a bite of mashed potatoes or turkey, make sure they can eat all the ingredients those morsels contain. You don’t want to rush to the pet hospital when you should be relaxing with a slice of pumpkin pie. Keep these best practices in mind to avoid an emergency trip to the vet.

Dishes to Keep on Your Plate

Your pets shouldn't eat anything that contains garlic, onions, scallions, chives, shallots, or leeks. Any Allium species can cause toxic anemia in dogs and cats. If your animals exhibit symptoms of this condition, including lethargy, decreased appetite, and pale gums, after chowing down on leftovers, head to a pet hospital for prompt medical intervention.

Grapes and raisins are also highly toxic to pets, although researchers have yet to determine why. There appears to be some substance in grapes that causes acute kidney failure. 

Desserts can be harmful to pets as well. Too much sugar can cause vomiting and diarrhea, which can lead to complications like dehydration if left untreated.

Even dishes that contain artificial sweeteners aren't safe. One of the most popular artificial sweeteners, xylitol, can cause hypoglycemia in animals, which can be fatal without prompt medical intervention.

Treats You Can Share

Your pets can enjoy a slice of turkey as long as it doesn't contain any bones. Cooked bones can break off into shards, damaging the intestinal tract. Also, remove any skin or fatty trimmings because especially rich foods can cause pancreatitis in dogs. 

In the same vein, plain mashed potatoes are acceptable, but don’t share them with your pets if they're loaded with butter, cream, or chives.

Other dishes your pet can enjoy include sweet potatoes, carrots, cranberry sauce, green beans, and fresh pumpkin—but only before it goes into the pie!

If your pets end up eating something they shouldn't this holiday season, head to Wahiawa Pet Hospital. Voted Hawaii’s Best Veterinary Clinic by the Honolulu Star-Advertiser in 2019, this full-service pet hospital treats dogs and cats at all stages of life. To schedule an appointment, visit their website or call (808) 671-7000.