PHOENIX Thanksgiving brings the whole family together to enjoy a bounty of food, and while four-legged friends can partake, it is important to keep pets safe from overindulging. No-kill animal shelter Arizona Humane Society (AHS) provided some helpful tips for keeping pets safe over the upcoming holiday weekend. A small piece of turkey or morsel of cornbread may not be particularly harmful, but large portions of any one dish that “can be decadent for an adult human” can be toxic for pets, according to Dr. Mindy Bemmerl of AHS. Traditional stuffing in particular contains onions and mushrooms, which are both poisonous to dogs and cats. Also, most desserts contain xylitol, an artificial sweetener, which can “cause serious illness and even death,” AHS’ South Mountain campus Dr. Lois Noel said. Alcohol or any Thanksgiving food item containing alcohol should be kept out of reach of pets as well. More AHS tips to keep pets safe during Thanksgiving holiday For those using this weekend to get ahead on Christmas decorating, keep a watchful eye on your decor, as it could be a potential choking hazard for your pets. As an extension of this, keep your home clean and AHS even recommended setting up a designated space away from the festivities for your pets so they are not overly stimulated. If you are traveling with your pets this Thanksgiving, it is also important to identify the closest veterinarian or animal clinic in case an emergency arises. Also, AHS advised pet owners to be on the lookout for an ongoing scam that impersonates the animal shelter and asks for immediate medical payment on falsely reported pet injuries.
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