Iowa, This Is How To Keep Your Pets Safe At Thanksgiving

There's about to be a lot of food around our houses but if you have a pet with you, you'll need to watch for a few things.

Thanksgiving can be a really fun time of the year. There's family, family dysfunction, tons of food, stretchy pants, and of course going on a massive shopping spree one day after we all say we're thankful for things we already have.

But with all of the commotion, if you have a dog, cat, or animal that will be out and about in the house as the Thanksgiving feast is going on, you'll need to pay attention to a few things.

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The American Veterinary Medical Association released a list of ways to help keep your four-legged friends healthy and safe during the chaos that is Thanksgiving. Here are a few ideas from the experts.

Don't Feed Pets Much Turkey & Keep The Feast On The Table

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According to AVMA, even a small amount of turkey or turkey skin can cause pancreatitis in pets, which can be life-threatening. Fatty foods are hard for animals to digest and things like onions, raisins, and grapes are poisonous to pets.

No Pie, Desserts, Or Anything With Yeast Dough

The artificial sweetener xylitol (which is commonly in gum and sugar-free sweets) can be fatal for pets. Yeast dough (if you're having dinner rolls) can prompt some painful gas for your animal and "potentially dangerous" bloating.

Put All The Trash Where Your Pet Can't Get To It

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If you have mischievous animals, you already know this to be true. Stuff like the turkey carcass, or any bones and scraps (and any strings you used to wrap or tie the meat) need to be tied tightly in a garbage bag placed in a covered trash can outside.

Be Careful With Decorative Plants

Popular plants including ferns, hydrangeas, amaryllis, baby’s breath, sweet William, and more plants are considered toxic to animals.

If you think your pet has ingested something they shouldn't have, take action quickly. You can call the Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661) or Animal Emergency Center of the Quad Cities (563-344-9599).