'Tis the season for family gatherings, great food, and plenty of celebration. While it may be the most wonderful time of the year for us, for our pets, there isn’t quite as much to be thankful for. From the extra food on the counter to the endless foot traffic and unfamiliar faces and smells, dogs and cats can find themselves in stressful, and often unsafe situations if owners aren’t prepared.

What Thanksgiving foods are safe for my pets to eat?

Many traditional holiday dishes aren’t safe for pets. Rich gravies, garlic, onion, desserts, and anything with too much seasoning can lead to health issues and even serious medical emergencies if your dog or cat gets into them. If you want your furry friend to share in the holiday meal, dogs and cats can safely enjoy small portions of plain, lean turkey (with the skin and fat removed), pure pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling), unseasoned carrots or sweet potatoes, and plain green beans, according to PetMD.

One Ohio woman didn't just want her own pets to enjoy the holiday. She prepared an elaborate feast for strays and wild animals in the neighborhood. Watch the video above to see what kinds of critters stopped by to sample the spread!

For a heartwarming moment amid the safety reminders, check out this video of an Ohio woman serving up a Thanksgiving feast for her neighborhood wildlife.

Take out the trash

After cleaning up the kitchen, dispose of the garbage right away to keep your pet from scavenging. Bones, fruit pits, and any scraps not approved by veterinarians can pose serious health risks for your furry friends.

Reduce the stress of holiday guests

The sound of the doorbell paired with a steady stream of guests coming in and out of the house can be stress-inducing for dogs and cats. Set up a quiet, comfortable space away from the chaos so your pet has a place to retreat if they get overwhelmed. Make sure to keep a close eye on your pet when opening and closing the door to make sure they don’t take off.

Avoid decor dangers

Decorations are one of the best parts of the holiday season, but keep your pet’s safety in mind when decking the halls. Unattended candles, electrical cords, and many decorative plants like chrysanthemums, poinsettias, and holly can create dangerous situations if tampered with or ingested.

Your pet’s well-being matters. Explore USA TODAY Pets for trusted health advice, wellness tips, and product reviews to keep tails wagging and whiskers twitching. Visit usatoday.com/pets/health.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Thanksgiving pet safety tips to keep dogs and cats happy and healthy

Reporting by Kelsey Monstrola, USA TODAY / USA TODAY

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