A dog friendly Thanksgiving
- Nov 20, 2012
- 2 min read
This month’s issue of The Whole Dog Journal has a timely article by Mary Straus focusing on the dangers of sharing certain human foods with dogs. Fatty food such as turkey skin, drippings, cheese, bacon or butter can lead to pancreatitis, especially for dogs accustomed to eating lower fat commercial diets. Of particular importance, avoid cooked bones as they can perforate the esophagus, stomach and intestines. Dogs should NEVER be fed or have access to cooked bones.
Personally, I had a beloved English Springer Spaniel that dove into Thanksgiving leftovers and discovered a carelessly disposed of turkey bone. His salivary gland was pierced, requiring significant emergency surgery, and while he thankfully survived an important lesson was learned. Unfortunately, there are too many stories that have not had such a happy ending and canine nutrition education is of the utmost importance to prevent similar tragedies from striking your family pet.
There are many ingredients that an informed pet parent should keep away from the dog, especially during the holidays. Some of the most dangerous ones discussed by Straus include:
- Xylitol is used as a sugar substitute in some sugar free baked goods and toothpastes and can cause life-threatening hypoglycemia in dogs. Straus points out that as little as five sticks of sugar free gum can sicken a 44 pound dog.
- Grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure in dogs.
- Onions and Garlic can cause a form of anemia in dogs.
- Nutmeg and Sage are safe in very small amounts, but too much can cause GI upset and central nervous system depression or excitement.
- Chocolate, Coffee, and Caffeine are all highly dangerous to dogs, though dark chocolate is more dangerous than milk chocolate.
- Milk can cause stomach upset due to canine lactose intolerance, though small amounts of yogurt as a supplement to certain meals is not a problem.
Fido Friendly Sharing
Straus points out that there are many foods that can be safely shared with your dog as long as he or she doesn’t have health problems that require a special diet. She stresses that as long as you make good choices and limit amounts your pet can enjoy the holiday without suffering from overindulgence afterward. She also suggests putting food into a Kong or other treat dispensing toy so your dog can enjoy the challenge of removing his treat and remain occupied while you enjoy your holiday feast with friends and family!
Have you ever experienced your pup getting into dangerous food he wasn’t supposed to?
This is a very important and eye-opening reminder about the risks of feeding dogs certain human foods, especially fatty items and cooked bones that can lead to serious conditions like pancreatitis or internal injuries. The personal story makes the message even more powerful and highlights how quickly preventable accidents can become medical emergencies for pets. It also reinforces the importance of awareness and proper care in everyday household settings. For students studying healthcare, patient safety, or clinical decision-making, a nursing course helper can provide useful support in understanding risk prevention, early intervention, and the importance of education in protecting wellbeing.
Loved this idea—making Thanksgiving pet-friendly adds so much joy and inclusivity for the whole family. Planning safe treats and a calm environment for pets is thoughtful. I’m also exploring advanced home care services to ensure comfort and support at home for loved ones during special occasions.
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The dog friendly Thanksgiving post was warm and joyful to read. While preparing holiday plans alongside coursework, I searched for help with Artificial Intelligence assignment UK to keep my studies balanced. The article reminds us how pets become part of family traditions. Celebrating simple moments with loved ones often brings the happiest memories. That made me see that planning your work first gives you more time to enjoy good moments with family and pets.
Great post! I love how you highlighted a dog-friendly Thanksgiving — such a fun idea. After all the holiday prep, I’m also hunting for a massage near me in Bayshore, NY to relax and unwind. If anyone has good local recommendations, please share!