As we enjoy Thanksgiving today with lots of food and fellowship, it’s also a time to be mindful of keeping our pets safe.

Jefferson Veterinary Clinic Veterinarian Dr. Mark Peters says never feed animals human food, but if you do, watch for turkey and/or chicken bones.

“Fowl bones are super easily crushed by dogs and can cause obstructions in the intestinal tract.”

He also recommends keeping desserts out of the reach of dogs and cats as well.

“Other toxic things like chocolate that we don’t like to (let) pets have because that can cause some central nervous system problems. So really just stay away from human food, keep it put up where the dogs can’t get it and life will be good.”

Peters emphasizes, pet food is designed for pets to eat, while human food can cause animals to become ill.