TORONTO, ON / AGILITYPR.NEWS / October 07, 2026 / TORONTO, ON – October 7, 2026 – As families across Toronto prepare for Thanksgiving and enjoy everything the fall season has to offer, Toronto Humane Society is reminding pet parents that some seasonal favourites can pose unexpected risks to their animals. 

From Thanksgiving meals and baked goods to busy gatherings and changing routines, fall brings new sights, smells and experiences into the home. While pets can be part of the celebrations, knowing which foods are safe to share — and which should stay out of reach — can help prevent an unexpected trip to the veterinarian. 

“Thanksgiving is a wonderful opportunity to spend time with family, friends and our pets, but many of the foods we enjoy during the holiday aren’t safe for animals,” said Dr. Karen Ward, Chief Veterinary Officer, Toronto Humane Society. “Keeping potentially harmful foods out of reach, offering pet-safe alternatives and giving animals a quiet place to retreat during gatherings are simple ways to make the holiday safer and more comfortable for everyone.” 

Be Careful with Thanksgiving Leftovers

Rich, fatty or heavily seasoned foods can cause digestive upset and, in some cases, more serious health problems. Cooked poultry bones can also splinter and cause choking or internal injuries. Toronto Humane Society recommends keeping leftovers, food scraps, compost and garbage securely stored and out of reach. 

Pet parents should also be particularly cautious with common ingredients including: 

• Chocolate 
• Grapes and raisins 
• Onions and garlic 
• Foods or baked goods containing xylitol 
• Raw yeast dough 
• Macadamia nuts 
• Fatty foods, gravies and heavily seasoned dishes 
• Cooked bones 

If you believe your pet has consumed something potentially toxic or dangerous, contact a veterinarian immediately. 

Fall Foods Pets Can Enjoy

Not every seasonal food is off limits. Plain, unseasoned foods such as pumpkin, sweet potato, carrots, green beans and apple can be offered to many pets in small amounts. Avoid added butter, sugar, salt, spices and other seasonings, and always remove apple seeds and cores. 

Pet parents can also make a simple fall-inspired treat for their dog at home: 

Pumpkin & Oat Dog Treats

Ingredients: 

• 1 cup plain canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling) 
• ½ cup xylitol-free, unsweetened peanut butter 
• 2 cups oat flour 
• 1–2 tablespoons water, as needed 

Directions: 

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Combine pumpkin and peanut butter, then gradually mix in oat flour until a firm dough forms. Add a small amount of water if needed. Roll the dough to approximately ¼-inch thick, cut into small pieces or shapes and bake for approximately 20–25 minutes, or until firm. Allow treats to cool completely before serving. 

Treats should always be given in moderation and should not replace a pet’s regular, nutritionally balanced diet. 

Help Pets Feel Comfortable During Gatherings 

Thanksgiving celebrations can also mean unfamiliar visitors, noise and frequent opening and closing of doors. While some animals enjoy the activity, others may find it overwhelming. 

Before guests arrive, consider creating a quiet space where your pet can retreat, with access to water, comfortable bedding and familiar toys. Let pets decide whether they want to interact with visitors rather than forcing introductions. 

With guests coming and going, pet parents should also make sure their animal has up-to-date identification. A collar with an ID tag and a registered microchip can improve the chances of being reunited if a pet accidentally gets outside. 

Keep Fall Décor Pet-Safe 

Seasonal decorations can introduce additional hazards. Keep candles, electrical cords and small decorations out of reach, and consider flameless candles where possible. Decorative items that can be chewed or swallowed should also be placed somewhere pets cannot access them. 

“Fall is a great time to enjoy new routines, seasonal activities and special meals, and our pets can absolutely be part of that,” added Dr. Ward. “A little preparation can go a long way toward making sure those experiences are positive and safe for everyone.” 

Help Keep More Bowls Full This Thanksgiving 

As families gather around the table this Thanksgiving, Toronto Humane Society is also asking the community to help keep more pet food bowls full. Every week, more than 300 visits are made to Toronto Humane Society’s Pet Food Bank by pet families looking for support. So far this year, the program has distributed more than 11,000 pounds of pet food — enough for approximately 56,000 pet food meals. 

Right now, every gift can go twice as far. Until October 12, Paul Butler and Chris Black will match every donation, up to $10,000, in memory of their beloved cat, Fletcher. 

To donate or learn more, please visit TorontoHumaneSociety.com.