GALTx eNews: A Greyhound's Guide to Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving brings family, feasting, and festivities—but it also presents unique challenges for our greyhounds. From tempting table scraps to decorative hazards, here's your guide to keeping your hound safe while everyone celebrates.
Plain, cooked turkey (white meat, boneless, skinless)
Plain sweet potatoes (baked, no butter or marshmallows)
Plain green beans (steamed or cooked, no casserole ingredients)
Plain pumpkin (pure pumpkin, not pie filling)
Plain cranberries (fresh, not canned with added sugar)
NEVER share these potentially dangerous foods:
Turkey bones, skin, and fat – Cooked bones can splinter and cause life-threatening blockages or punctures. The fatty skin can trigger pancreatitis.
Stuffing – Almost always contains onions and garlic, both highly toxic to dogs, causing red blood cell damage.
Onions and garlic (in any form) – Toxic to dogs, even in small amounts found in gravies, mashed potatoes, and casseroles.
Grapes and raisins – Can cause sudden kidney failure, even in tiny amounts.
Xylitol (artificial sweetener) – Found in some pies and baked goods, extremely toxic to dogs.
Chocolate – In desserts and baked goods.
Alcohol – Even small amounts are dangerous.
Macadamia nuts – Toxic to dogs.
Raw yeast dough – Can expand in the stomach and produce alcohol.
Nutmeg – Common in holiday dishes, toxic to dogs.
Door Dash: Preventing Escapes
Thanksgiving visitors create the perfect storm for escape artists. Doors opening and closing repeatedly, excited guests, and general chaos can send even calm hounds into flight mode.
Place a baby gate or exercise pen near your front door as a secondary barrier.
Consider confining your hound to a quiet room during peak arrival/ departure times; consider a long-life chew stick and/or frozen licky mats or frozen Kongs to keep hounds occupied.
Make sure your hound's collar has current ID tags and their microchip information is up to date.
Alert all guests that doors must be closed immediately and your hound should never be allowed outside unsupervised.
Designate one person to monitor the door during busy times.
Keep your hound leashed if they're mingling with guests.
Create a "safe room" with their bed, water, and favorite toys where overwhelmed hounds can retreat.
Candles – Open flames and hot wax are hazards for curious hounds or enthusiastic tail wags. Use battery-operated alternatives or place candles well out of reach.
Centerpieces with toxic plants – Autumn arrangements often include chrysanthemums, which can cause vomiting and diarrhea if ingested.
Table linens – A curious hound can pull down tablecloths, bringing hot dishes and dangerous foods within reach.
Potpourri and essential oils – Many are toxic when ingested or can irritate respiratory systems.
Corn cobs – Often used in decorating, these cause severe intestinal blockages if eaten.
Small decorative items – Acorns, small gourds, and decorative corn can be choking hazards.
Keep trash cans secured or in a latched cabinet. Turkey carcasses, bones, and food wrappers are irresistible and dangerous.
Never leave food unattended on counters or tables where a tall greyhound might "surf".
Keep hounds out of the kitchen during cooking to prevent burns.
Secure the pantry door to prevent raids on ingredients.
Politely but firmly tell guests not to feed your hound any table scraps.
Ask guests to keep their plates and drinks out of tail-wagging range.
Remind children that hounds need gentle, calm interactions—no chasing or roughhousing.
A little preparation and vigilance will ensure that everyone in your family—including your greyhound—enjoys a safe and happy Thanksgiving. When in doubt, keep human food away from your hound and stick to their regular diet.
GALT is greytful for each and every one of you and your beloved hounds. Wishing you all a safe and joyful holiday!
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