Plan ahead so pets (and you) enjoy Thanksgiving
For Immediate Release
Contact: Erin Long, Marketing & Development Manager | Humane Society of Harford County | 410-836-1090, x106 | erin@harfordshelter.org
Fallston, MD (November 18, 2025) – Thanksgiving is a beloved holiday centered around family, gratitude, and of course, food. But with the hustle and bustle of cooking, hosting, and welcoming guests, our curious pets may find themselves getting into trouble. To help families celebrate safely, the Humane Society of Harford County (HSHC) is sharing essential tips to ensure your Thanksgiving is enjoyable for both you and your four-legged friends.
Be Aware of Toxic Foods
Many favorite holiday dishes contain ingredients that can be poisonous to pets, including chocolate, grapes, raisins, currants, onions, garlic, macadamia nuts, and artificial sweeteners like xylitol. Keep these foods far from curious noses and remind guests not to share any table scraps—no matter how cute the begging may be.
Festive Feeding Options
Sticking to your pet’s normal diet on Thanksgiving is always best, but if you’d like to include them in the celebration, offer a small amount of unseasoned white turkey meat. Avoid fatty ingredients such as butter, gravies, drippings, and dark meat, which can cause vomiting, diarrhea, or even pancreatitis—an inflammation of the pancreas that may require hospitalization.
For a pet-friendly holiday treat, mix healthy fruits and vegetables like baby carrots, green beans, apple slices, pumpkin purée (not pie filling), or cooked sweet potato into their usual food. Moderation is key.
Prevent Choking & Blockages
Holiday cleanup can be dangerous if pets get into discarded bones, corncobs, twine used to truss the turkey, or aluminum foil—items that can cause intestinal blockages and may require surgery. Yeast dough is especially hazardous, as it can expand in a pet’s stomach and produce alcohol, leading to alcohol poisoning.
Safe Centerpiece Options
Festive décor can brighten your table but may also pose risks. Some floral arrangements contain toxic plants—particularly lilies, which can be deadly to cats even in small amounts, including pollen or water from the vase. Choose non-toxic flowers and greenery to keep pets safe.
Open-flame candles can easily be knocked over or cause burns. Opt for battery-operated, pet-safe alternatives to add warm ambiance without the risk.
Secure Your Home
With guests constantly coming and going, pets can slip out the door unnoticed. Use baby gates to keep dogs away from entry points or keep them leashed during arrivals and departures. Cats should be kept in a closed, quiet room to prevent accidental escapes.
Guests’ belongings can also pose hazards. Purses, backpacks, and suitcases may contain candy, xylitol gum, or medications. Ask guests to store their bags off the floor or behind closed doors to protect pets from curious exploration.
Take Out the Trash
Make sure trash cans have sturdy, secure lids, and take garbage out before bedtime. Many holiday leftovers and trimmings are harmful if ingested—and some pets won’t hesitate to dive in if given the chance.
In Case of Emergency
If you suspect your pet has eaten something toxic, try to determine what and how much was consumed. Contact your veterinarian immediately or call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435 for guidance.
By following these Thanksgiving pet safety tips, your family—including the furry members—can enjoy a safe, happy, and stress-free holiday. For more resources, visit harfordshelter.org.
About the Humane Society of Harford County
The Humane Society of Harford County, Inc., is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) charitable organization dedicated to the welfare and well-being of the approximately 3,500 animals that arrive each year. HSHC promotes the kind treatment of homeless, stray and abandoned animals by providing shelter, care, adoptions, and community education. HSHC is not a county agency nor is it affiliated with any national or regional organization. Tax-deductible donations, bequests, and proceeds from events are crucial to its life-saving efforts on behalf of the animals in the community.