With Thanksgiving approaching, you’ll soon be spending a lot of time at the dinner table surrounded by loved ones and delicious food. If you’re hosting, you might have guests who are eager to share the feast with your dog. However, veterinarians warn that you need to be vigilant about what your dog eats. Here’s what you should know to help them enjoy a safe holiday. 

Why You Shouldn’t Give Your Dog Table Scraps Regularly

As long as your dog is in good health, they can have occasional table scraps. However, this shouldn’t become a regular habit. If they learn to expect scraps every time you eat, they may develop poor behaviors during mealtimes, such as drooling, jumping on the table, and stealing food when no one is looking. 

Many human foods can also pose health risks for dogs. For example, dogs have a low tolerance for fatty foods. Besides experiencing indigestion, they may develop conditions like pancreatitis. 

Which Thanksgiving Foods to Feed Dogs

Dogs can safely eat many Thanksgiving foods in moderation, but you’ll need to keep some away from your pet. Don’t give anything seasoned because garlic and onion are toxic for dogs. To avoid stomach troubles, don’t offer turkey or chicken skin, gravy, or turkey stuffing.

Also, remove any bones from meat; if the pieces splinter, they can cut your dog’s mouth. Big bones might block up their digestive system as well.

Raisins and grapes can cause kidney failure in dogs, so keep them out of reach. If your dog eats anything toxic, bring them to a veterinarian for immediate attention.

If you or your guests want to share morsels with the dog, turkey meat with the bones and skin removed is acceptable, as well as unseasoned potatoes and sweet potatoes, pumpkin, and apples. 

If you run into any pet health emergencies during the holidays, visit The Pet Clinic in Honolulu, HI. Their veterinarians have provided pet care for animals throughout Oahu for over 60 years. Visit them online to learn more about their services, or call (808) 946-5096 to schedule an appointment.