10 Easy & Awesome Thanksgiving Tips for Pet Owners

10 Easy & Awesome Thanksgiving Tips for Pet Owners

Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, and delicious food. While it’s a cherished holiday for us, it can be a little overwhelming (and potentially unsafe) for our furry companions. As a pet owner, it’s important to plan ahead and make the holiday safe and enjoyable for your dog. To help, we’ve put together the ultimate list of Thanksgiving tips for pet owners for a stress-free holiday for you and your pup.

1. Avoid Feeding Table Scraps

It’s tempting to let your pup indulge in Thanksgiving treats, but many foods can be harmful. Foods like turkey skin, cooked bones, stuffing, and anything seasoned with garlic or onions should be off-limits. Instead, offer dog-safe treats or cooked, unseasoned turkey in moderation. Doing this will help prevent their stomach from getting upset or needing emergency vet visits.

Read: How To Stop Dog Begging For Food? 

2. Create a Quiet, Safe Space

Thanksgiving gatherings can be noisy and crowded, which may stress some dogs. Since you know your pup best, identify beforehand if your pup would like to be around many people or would prefer to be alone in their area. Set up a quiet area where your pup can retreat if they need a break and is showing signs of stress or anxiety. Provide their favorite toys, a comfy bed, and maybe some soothing background music. Keeping this tip in mind ensures your dog feels safe and relaxed.

3. Keep Dangerous Foods Out of Reach

One of the most overlooked behavior during Thanksgiving among pet owners is ensuring all harmful foods are out of your dog’s reach. Items like chocolate, alcohol, raisins, grapes, and desserts made with artificial sweeteners (like xylitol) can be toxic. Be sure to clear counters and secure garbage cans to prevent curious pups from helping themselves. Let your guests know as well that they should not be giving your pup and food pieces to prevent any potential issues.

Read: Foods That Are Unsafe for Dogs 

4. Stick to Their Routine

Thanksgiving often brings changes to the usual household schedule, from meal prep to hosting guests, which can be unsettling for dogs. Maintaining your pup’s regular feeding, walking, and playtime routine as closely as possible helps provide a sense of stability amidst the holiday chaos. Dogs thrive on consistency, and sticking to their familiar schedule can reduce stress and anxiety. By making sure that you still keep their routine, your pup stays calm and happy, making the holiday more enjoyable for everyone.

5. Supervise Guests Interacting with Your Dog

Not everyone may know how to properly interact with dogs, especially children who may unintentionally overwhelm or scare them. Politely remind your guests to respect your dog’s boundaries and observe their body language to avoid stressful situations. Teach children how to approach your pup calmly and handle them gently. Taking these steps gives a positive experience for your pup and your guests, helping to prevent misunderstandings or accidents.

6. Provide Mental Stimulation

If you’re busy cooking or entertaining, keep your dog occupied with a mentally stimulating activity. A frozen Kong filled with dog-safe treats or a puzzle toy can keep them entertained for hours. These helps your pup focus on something else and stay calm so you can focus on your guests.

Read: Fun Ways to Mentally Stimulate Your Dog at Home

7. Prepare Your Dog for Visitors

If your pup tends to feel nervous around strangers, prepare them in advance for the arrival of Thanksgiving guests. Start by practicing key commands like “sit,” “stay,” or “place”, as these can help your dog feel more secure and provide you with better control in social situations. When guests arrive, reward your pup for calm behavior with treats, praise, or a favorite toy to reinforce their positive actions. This approach not only helps your dog feel more at ease but also teaches them that staying calm and composed leads to rewards, setting the tone for a smoother and more enjoyable holiday experience.

Read: How to Train for Nice Puppy Meet and Greets

8. Secure Holiday Decorations

Thanksgiving decorations such as candles, pumpkins, and festive table arrangements may add a cozy touch to your home but can pose risks to curious pups. Candles can easily be knocked over by an excited dog, creating fire hazards, while decorative items like pumpkins or floral arrangements may contain parts that are toxic or choking hazards if chewed or swallowed. To keep your pup safe, always place candles and other decors out of their reach and opt for ones that are pet-friendly and non-toxic. Paying attention to these small details is an important part of keeping your dog safe and stress-free during the holiday festivities.

9. Offer Safe Treats

Including your dog in the holiday festivities is a wonderful way to make them feel like part of the family. Treat them to a special, dog-friendly “Thanksgiving plate” featuring plain green beans, cooked sweet potatoes (without any seasoning or sugar), or small pieces of unseasoned turkey. These safe and healthy options allow your pup to join in the celebration without the dangers posed by typical Thanksgiving foods like stuffing, gravy, or desserts. By offering them a thoughtful treat, you can create a positive holiday experience for your dog while ensuring that they are eating safe.

10. Be Prepared for Emergencies

Despite your best efforts to keep your pup safe during Thanksgiving, accidents can still happen, so it’s crucial to be prepared. Keep your veterinarian’s contact information easily accessible, along with the phone number and address of a 24/7 emergency animal clinic in your area. In a holiday environment filled with potential hazards, like unfamiliar foods and decorations, having a plan in place ensures you can act quickly if something goes wrong.

By following these Thanksgiving tips for pet owners, you can ensure a safe, happy holiday for you and your furry friend. With a little preparation and mindfulness, you’ll enjoy a stress-free Thanksgiving where everyone feels included—even your pup. Remember, your dog is part of the family, and their safety and comfort should be a top priority during the festivities.

Want to learn more about creating a safe and enjoyable environment for your dog? Stay tuned for more pet tips and advice on our blog! Happy Thanksgiving!