On November 25th, Thanksgiving festivities begin. Your home will soon be filled with enticing aromas from the great feast, and your pets would love to experience the tasty cuisine. With a crowded house loaded with family and friends, you may be less aware of what your dog or cat is up to. Thanksgiving meals are suitable for human consumption, but animals cannot tolerate many of the delicacies served during the holiday. Here are some suggestions for keeping your favorite animal safe during the holiday gathering.

Securing Plants and Decorations

Although Thanksgiving celebrations typically do not include the abundance of decorations as Christmas, there are a few items to keep away from your pets. Decorative plants can brighten up your home, but many are toxic to dogs and cats. Cats and dogs are curious creatures that love to investigate a new addition to your home. When you bring in fresh flowers and plants, place them in an elevated position so your pet cannot reach them or take a bite. Lilies, hydrangeas, daisies and datura flowers are only a few of the hazardous plants that can sicken and even kill your pet.

Keeping Food on the Table

A full spread of Thanksgiving food is a tempting target to a hungry animal. Try to feed your pet while you sit down to dinner to avoid begging at the table. A small piece of turkey, sweet potato or green beans are safe for your pet to eat but avoid giving your pet any leftovers with small bones, bread, or chocolate. Cooked bones are brittle, and a small splinter can cause severe damage to the animal’s gums, throat, and intestinal tract.

Storing Leftovers

After the big meal, some families like to relax and digest their food before cleaning. If you wait to do the dishes, remove all the plates and leftovers, and keep them on the kitchen counter and sink. A kitchen table or coffee table is not high enough to keep your pet from eating off a dinner plate. A leftover piece of chocolate cake could send you on a frantic trip to the animal hospital.

Taking out the Trash

Thanksgiving meals produce a high volume of garbage, and an overstuffed trashcan is a tempting feast for a clever animal. Before your pet takes a bite from the refuse pile, collect the trash, and store it outside in the trash cans. If your pet is still crying for a treat, prepare a small meal with pet-safe leftovers. When your furry friend is due for a checkup, you can visit Pet Hospitals of Hawaii.