Urgent Needs at the Ark!

As we celebrate Thanksgiving, our homes can become chaotic, leading to accidental ingestion of toxic foods. Be it a stolen snack from the trash or counter, or a handout from a well-intentioned but misguided houseguest, adding an ounce of planning to your Thanksgiving menu can prevent life-threatening emergencies. Here’s a quick guide:

✅ Safe to Share

• Boneless, skinless turkey: A great source of protein, as long as it’s plain and free of seasoning.
• Plain, cooked veggies (like carrots, sweet potatoes, or green beans): These are nutritious treats as long as they’re not cooked with butter, salt, or spices.
• Pumpkin puree (not pie filling): Packed with fiber and great for digestion. Make sure it’s plain, canned pumpkin with no added sugars or spices.
• Special pet treats: Having special holiday-themed pet treats can give you (and your well-meaning houseguests) the opportunity to safetly spoil your pet!

❌ Unsafe to Share

• Any desserts: Most are too sweet for pets, and many contain harmful ingredients like chocolate or xylitol (a sugar substitute that’s toxic to dogs).
• Bread dough: The yeast can expand in your pet’s stomach, leading to dangerous bloating or alcohol poisoning.
• Onions: These, along with other alliums, can cause anemia in pets.
• Turkey bones: These can splinter and pose a choking hazard or cause internal injury.

 Keep your pets safe this holiday! 🍁🐕🐾

ASPCA Poison Control: 888-426-4435