Thanksgiving Safety Tips for Your Pup: Keep the Holiday Happy (and Healthy!)
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Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and while we humans are dreaming of turkey, stuffing, and pumpkin pie, our dogs are dreaming of… well, the same things.
With guests coming in and delicious smells filling the house, it’s one of the most tempting (and overwhelming) holidays for our furry friends.
Here’s how to keep your dog safe, calm, and included this Thanksgiving — without turning the day into an emergency vet visit.
🍗 Beware of the Turkey Temptation
A little unseasoned, cooked white meat is okay — but avoid:
Turkey skin
Bones
Gravy
Turkey skin and gravy are loaded with fat, which can lead to pancreatitis, and bones can splinter dangerously.
Safe option: Set aside a small portion of plain, fully cooked turkey to share after dinner.
🧅 Skip the Stuffing & Sides
Classic Thanksgiving sides often contain ingredients that are toxic to dogs, including:
onions
shallots
leeks
butter-heavy sauces
Even a small nibble can upset their stomach or cause more serious issues.
Safe option: Give your pup a spoonful of plain sweet potato or plain green beans.
🍰 Keep the Desserts Out of Reach
Pies and sweets often contain:
chocolate
nutmeg
xylitol (found in many sugar-free desserts)
raisins
All of these are extremely dangerous for dogs.
Safe option: A small scoop of canned pumpkin (plain, not pie filling) is a dog-friendly treat.
🎁 Create a Pup-Friendly “Place”
With guests coming and going, dogs can get overwhelmed.
Setting up a cozy spot helps them decompress.
Try:
a comfy bed in a quiet room
their favorite chew
a white-noise machine or TV
a frozen Kong to keep them busy
This gives them a safe retreat when the house gets loud.
🚪 Watch the Front Door
Thanksgiving = constant door openings.
Excited dogs can slip out quickly.
Tips:
Put your pup on a leash when guests arrive
Use baby gates as a barrier
Make sure collars and tags are updated
Small steps can prevent a holiday scare.
🦴 Give Them Their Own Feast
While you enjoy yours, keep your dog happily occupied with a safe holiday treat:
frozen peanut butter Kong
long-lasting chew (perhaps a duck head?)
lick mat “Thanksgiving plate” (pumpkin, sweet potato, plain turkey)
It keeps them satisfied—and out of the kitchen!
🧡 Give Thanks for Our Dogs
Thanksgiving is a reminder of what (and who!) we’re grateful for—and our dogs are always at the top of the list.
A little preparation helps make the day enjoyable for everyone, two- and four-legged.
Wishing you and your pups a warm, safe, wag-filled Thanksgiving! 🦃🐾