Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, good food, and making memories. But while we’re busy preparing dinner and welcoming guests, it’s easy to forget that the holiday can be a little overwhelming, and sometimes even dangerous, for our four-legged family members.
Between the doorbell ringing, unfamiliar people coming and going, tempting food on the counters, and a house full of activity, our dogs need a little extra attention during the holidays.
Here are some simple ways to keep your dog safe, comfortable, and happy this Thanksgiving!
1. Keep Your Dog Calm When Guests Arrive
A house full of guests can be exciting for some dogs and stressful for others.
Constant doorbell ringing, people walking in and out, children running around, and unfamiliar faces can create a lot of excitement.
Before guests arrive, give your dog some exercise and an opportunity to settle. Practice calm greetings rather than allowing your dog to jump on everyone as they walk through the door.
If your dog gets overly excited, don’t feel like you have to let them greet every guest. It’s perfectly okay to keep your dog on a leash, use a baby gate, or give them some space until things settle down.
Remember, a calm dog is a safer and happier dog!
2. Be Careful With Thanksgiving Foods
We all know how tempting it is to share a little Thanksgiving dinner with our dogs. Those puppy eyes can be hard to resist!
Unfortunately, many traditional holiday foods can make dogs sick or even cause serious health problems.
Foods to keep away from your dog include:
Turkey bones: Cooked bones can splinter and cause choking, intestinal injuries, or blockages.
Turkey skin and fatty foods: Rich, greasy foods can upset your dog’s stomach and may trigger pancreatitis.
Onions and garlic: These are toxic to dogs and are commonly found in stuffing, gravy, and casseroles.
Grapes and raisins: Even small amounts can cause serious kidney damage.
Chocolate: Especially dangerous for dogs, depending on the type and amount.
Xylitol: An artificial sweetener found in some sugar-free foods and products that can cause life-threatening complications.
Alcohol: Even small amounts can be dangerous.
Raw bread dough: Yeast dough can expand in the stomach and produce alcohol as it ferments.
If you want to give your dog a special Thanksgiving treat, stick to a small amount of plain, fully cooked turkey with no bones, skin, seasoning, or added butter.
When in doubt, don’t share it!
3. Give Your Dog a Safe Place to Relax
Not every dog enjoys a house full of people.
Some dogs become overly excited, while others get nervous, overwhelmed, or uncomfortable with all the activity.
Pay attention to your dog’s body language. Excessive panting, pacing, hiding, lip licking, yawning, growling, or repeatedly trying to leave can be signs that your dog needs a break.
This is where having a crate or designated safe space can make a big difference.
If things become too chaotic, give your dog some quiet time away from the crowd. Their crate, a quiet bedroom, or another comfortable area can give them a chance to decompress.
Make sure they have fresh water, a comfortable place to rest, and something safe to keep them occupied.
Putting your dog in their crate isn’t punishment. It’s giving them a chance to relax when the environment becomes too much.
4. Watch the Doors!
With guests arriving and leaving throughout the day, it’s easy for a dog to slip out unnoticed.
Even dogs who normally have excellent recall can become distracted by all the excitement.
Make sure your dog has proper identification, including an updated collar tag and microchip information.
Ask guests to be mindful of doors and gates, and consider using a baby gate or keeping your dog in a secure area during busy arrival and departure times.
5. Don’t Forget Your Dog’s Routine
Dogs thrive on consistency. Holidays often throw our normal schedules out the window, but maintaining some structure can help your dog feel more comfortable.
Try to keep regular feeding times, potty breaks, walks, and rest periods.
A little exercise before the festivities can also help take the edge off excess energy.
Don’t expect your dog to entertain guests all day. They need downtime, too!
A Little Preparation Goes a Long Way!
Thanksgiving should be enjoyable for everyone—including the dogs!
A little planning, some clear boundaries, and a safe place for your dog to relax can prevent a stressful holiday and help keep your furry family member out of trouble.
And remember, your dog doesn’t have to be part of every moment to be included in the celebration. Sometimes the kindest thing we can do is give them a quiet place to rest.
From our family to yours, Happy Thanksgiving!
