Thanksgiving Leftovers and Your Dog’s Doody: What Their Poop is Trying to Tell You

It’s the best time of the year, the holidays! A time all about hanging with your family, having fun, and eating some delicious food. It’s a great time, especially for our fur friends who join us, but amidst all the holiday chaos, we might not see what ends up on the ground and in their tummies. But not to worry, if they sneak a bite (or five) of something they shouldn’t, their poop might be the first clue!

At DoodyCalls, we know more about dog poop than most. Believe it or not, their bathroom business can tell you a lot about their health. Here’s what to watch for this Thanksgiving:

🦃 Thanksgiving Foods That Can Mess With Your Dog’s Tummy

Some human foods are safe in moderation, but others can cause stomach issues or even serious illness.

Here are the main culprits:

• Turkey skin and gravy: High in fat and salt, which can lead to pancreatitis and diarrhea.
   

• Stuffing: Often contains onions, garlic, or herbs that are toxic to dogs.
   

• Mashed potatoes: Fine in small amounts—but skip the butter, cream, and garlic.
   

• Desserts (especially pie): Sugar, chocolate, and artificial sweeteners like xylitol are major no-gos.
   

• Bones: Cooked turkey bones can splinter and cause blockages or tears in the digestive tract.
   

Even snacks that may appear harmless can lead to upset stomachs if your dog isn’t used to them.

💩 Poop Problems to Watch Out For

If your pup manages to sneak a few bites of something bad, you might notice it during potty time.
Here’s what your dog’s poop might be saying:

• Soft or mushy poop: Too much fat or dairy (gravy, mashed potatoes, or buttery treats).
   

• Diarrhea or watery stool: A sign of an upset stomach or possible food intolerance.
   

• Greasy, shiny poop: This can come from turkey skin or drippings. It usually indicates that there’s too much fat in their diet.
   

• Poop with blood or mucus: Could mean irritation or inflammation from something toxic or hard to digest.
   

• Black, tarry poop: May signal internal bleeding. Please contact your vet immediately if you see this!
   

• White or light-colored poop: If they gnawed on bones, this could be from calcium overload (and constipation risk).
   

If you notice any of these changes, especially if your dog is acting sluggish or refusing food, it’s best to call your vet.

🧡 Safe Thanksgiving Treat Alternatives

If you still want your pup to join in the holiday fun, here are a few safe snacks:

• Plain turkey breast (no skin or seasoning)
   

• Steamed green beans or carrots
   

• Pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie filling!)
   

• A few bites of plain sweet potato
   

These will keep your dog’s tail wagging—and their poop looking normal.

DoodyCalls Has Your Back This Holiday Season

Between cooking, hosting, and cleaning, you shouldn’t have to worry about the yard too. Whether your pup’s digestion is smooth or a little… ruff, DoodyCalls is here to help keep your lawn clean and fresh, so you can enjoy your holidays stress-free.

📞 Schedule your holiday cleanup today at DoodyCalls.com and make sure your Thanksgiving weekend is poop-free (the way it should be!).