As the holiday season approaches, families across the Greater Houston Area are preparing for Thanksgiving feasts. While the festive meals are something to look forward to, food safety for both people and pets is crucial to avoid any holiday mishaps. Harris County Public Health (HCPH) and the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) are providing expert tips on how to stay safe during your Thanksgiving celebrations. By following these simple guidelines, you can enjoy your holiday without the risk of foodborne illness or pet emergencies.

Thanksgiving Food Safety for People

Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, and food—but it’s also a time to be cautious about foodborne illnesses. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 48 million people in the U.S. are affected by foodborne illnesses annually, resulting in 128,000 hospitalizations and 3,000 deaths. Poor food handling, preparation, or storage can lead to sickness, which can quickly ruin the holiday spirit.

Scott Jeansonne, Director of HCPH’s Environmental Public Health Division, emphasized the importance of safe food handling: “The holidays are a time for gathering with loved ones and enjoying delicious food. But it’s important to remember that foodborne illness can quickly turn a joyful celebration into a miserable experience.”

To ensure food safety this Thanksgiving, follow these tips from HCPH:

• Clean: Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before and after handling food. Clean all utensils, cutting boards, and surfaces thoroughly with hot, soapy water.

• Separate: Keep raw meat, poultry, seafood, and eggs separate from other foods to prevent cross-contamination. Use different cutting boards and utensils for raw and cooked items.

• Cook: Use a food thermometer to ensure foods are cooked to safe internal temperatures. Poultry should be cooked to 165°F (74°C), and seafood should reach 145°F (63°C).

• Chill: Refrigerate perishable foods quickly. Foods should be refrigerated within two hours of cooking or serving, or within one hour if the temperature is over 90°F (32°C).

For more information on Thanksgiving food safety, visit the CDC’s Food Safety webpage or report any foodborne illness at hcphtx.org/FoodBug.

Thanksgiving Food Safety for Pets

While families are enjoying their holiday meals, pets can be at risk due to certain foods and holiday hazards. The AVMA provides key recommendations to protect pets during Thanksgiving celebrations. Fatty foods, poultry bones, and certain ingredients can be toxic to pets, so it’s crucial to keep these items out of their reach.

“Fatty foods are hard for animals to digest, and many foods that are healthy for people are poisonous to pets, including onions, raisins, and grapes,” the AVMA warns. Here are essential tips to ensure your pets stay safe:

• Keep food out of reach: Avoid feeding your pet turkey, turkey skin, or any other fatty foods, as these can lead to pancreatitis, a life-threatening condition. Additionally, onions, raisins, grapes, and chocolate are toxic to pets, and should never be shared.

• No holiday sweets for pets: Thanksgiving pies and desserts, especially those made with chocolate or xylitol (an artificial sweetener), can be harmful to pets. Xylitol is particularly dangerous and can cause severe health issues such as seizures and liver failure in dogs.

• Beware of choking hazards: Keep pets away from decorations like corn cobs or artificial leaves, which could cause choking or intestinal blockages if ingested.

• Store leftovers properly: Keep turkey carcasses, bones, and meat scraps in a securely closed trash bag placed in an outdoor or locked trash container. This will help prevent your pets from accessing harmful food remnants.

• Toxic plants: Some holiday plants, such as amaryllis, baby’s breath, and hydrangeas, can be toxic to pets. It’s safest to keep these plants out of your pet’s reach to avoid accidental ingestion.

• Know when to seek help: If your pet eats something harmful, contact your veterinarian immediately. Poison control services, such as the ASPCA Poison Control Center (888-426-4435), can also offer guidance.

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Thanksgiving Preparations for Pets During Gatherings

If you're hosting a Thanksgiving gathering, it’s essential to plan ahead to ensure your pets stay safe and stress-free. Many pets may become anxious with increased activity and noise from visitors, so create a quiet, secure space for them away from the festivities.

For pets that may get stressed from large crowds, it may be helpful to use a crate or provide them with a favorite toy to calm them down. Also, be mindful of any guests who may have allergies or weakened immune systems and ensure they are aware of your pets.

Tips for Traveling with Pets

If you're traveling for Thanksgiving, whether by car or plane, take necessary precautions to ensure your pet’s safety. Never leave your pet unattended in a vehicle, even for a short period, as temperatures can quickly become dangerous. Additionally, make sure your pet is properly restrained in the car, using a secure harness or carrier to prevent distractions and reduce the risk of injury in the event of an accident.

If you’re traveling by air, consult with your veterinarian to ensure air travel is suitable for your pet, particularly for certain breeds like short-nosed dogs, which may struggle with the conditions. Ensure your pet has proper identification, including a microchip, in case they get lost.

Wrapping It Up

Thanksgiving is a time for giving thanks and enjoying festive meals, but food safety for both people and pets is essential to ensuring a happy and healthy holiday. By following proper food handling practices and being aware of potential hazards for pets, you can enjoy a safe and stress-free holiday season. For more information on food safety and pet precautions, visit the CDC’s Food Safety webpage or reach out to your local veterinarian.

Take the time to protect your family and pets this Thanksgiving—because with the right precautions, you can feast without the risk. Happy holidays!

By Tiffany Krenek, My Neighborhood News 

Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.