Thanksgiving is a time for family, food, and celebration, and that includes your pets.
But while it’s tempting to share a little of the feast with your furry friend, not everything on the holiday table is safe for them.
Rich foods, crowded spaces, and open doors can all create risks for curious pets.
With a few simple precautions, though, you can make sure your dog or cat enjoys the festivities safely.
Here’s what to keep in mind this Thanksgiving so everyone, human and animal alike, has a happy, stress-free holiday.
This article is for general knowledge only and is based on information from online sources. Photos are for illustrative purposes only.
1. Offer Safe, Pet-Friendly Treats
Your pets can join in on the fun, as long as you stick to simple, pet-safe foods.
Small portions of plain, unseasoned turkey, steamed vegetables like carrots or green beans, or a spoonful of pumpkin purée are all good choices.
Avoid gravy or seasoning, and look for holiday-themed dog treats made specifically for safe chewing and digestion.
These alternatives let your furry companion feel included without the risk of upset stomachs or worse.
Moderation matters too, so keep portions small and appropriate for your pet’s size.
2. Create A Calm Space
The excitement of guests, new smells, and noise can overwhelm even the friendliest pets.
Set up a quiet retreat where your dog or cat can unwind, think of it as their holiday hideaway.
A cosy bed or crate, a few toys, and a bowl of fresh water can help them relax while you entertain guests.
Background music or a white noise machine can also mask loud conversations and doorbell rings.
This sanctuary gives anxious animals permission to step away when the festivities become too much to handle.
3. Keep Routines Consistent
Holidays can easily disrupt schedules, but pets rely on routine for a sense of security. Keep mealtimes, walks, and play sessions as close to normal as possible.
A good walk before dinner not only burns energy but also reduces the temptation to beg at the table.
Familiar patterns help your pet feel grounded even when everything else around them seems chaotic and unfamiliar.
Consistency sends a reassuring message that life remains predictable, which can prevent anxiety-related behaviours like excessive barking or destructive chewing during the holiday rush.
4. Supervise Interactions With Guests
Not everyone knows how to handle animals, especially children.
Politely remind guests not to feed your pets scraps or open doors without checking for curious noses nearby.
If you’re hosting a large gathering, consider using a baby gate or crate for extra peace of mind.
Clear communication prevents well-meaning visitors from accidentally creating dangerous situations.
Your pet depends on you to advocate for their safety and comfort, so don’t hesitate to set boundaries.
Supervised interactions ensure everyone enjoys the holiday without stress or mishaps.
5. Don’t Give Turkey Bones Or Skin
Cooked bones can splinter and cause internal injuries, while fatty turkey skin can lead to pancreatitis.
If you want to share a treat, stick to small, boneless, skin-free portions of cooked turkey.
Raw bones are safer than cooked, but Thanksgiving isn’t the time to experiment with new foods.
The holiday already brings enough disruption without adding emergency vet visits to the mix.
Even if your dog gives you those irresistible pleading eyes, remember that what seems like kindness could result in serious harm.
6. Don’t Share Toxic Foods
Many common Thanksgiving ingredients are dangerous for pets.
Keep foods containing onions, garlic, leeks, chives, grapes, raisins, chocolate, alcohol, or xylitol far from their reach.
Yeast dough and rich gravies are also on the no-go list, as they can cause bloating or serious digestive issues.
Even small amounts of these substances can trigger toxic reactions ranging from mild discomfort to life-threatening emergencies.
When in doubt, assume human holiday food isn’t suitable for your four-legged family members and stick to pet-approved alternatives instead.
7. Don’t Let Pets Near The Trash
After dinner, the bin can be more tempting than the feast itself.
Turkey bones, greasy packaging, and string used to tie the roast can all cause choking or intestinal blockages.
Use a sealed trash can and take it outside right after clearing up.
Dogs have remarkable noses and determination when food smells are involved, so don’t underestimate their ability to get into supposedly secure containers.
Prevention takes only a moment but can spare you from a midnight emergency room visit and your pet from unnecessary suffering.
8. Don’t Forget ID Tags And Microchips
With guests coming and going, there’s always a risk of a pet slipping out unnoticed.
Make sure your dog or cat wears an ID tag with up-to-date information, and double-check that microchip details are current.
These small steps can make a big difference if your pet ever wanders off during the holiday rush.
A frightened animal in an unfamiliar area faces numerous dangers, from traffic to getting lost.
Proper identification dramatically increases the chances of a happy reunion should the worst happen during your Thanksgiving celebration.
9. Prepare For Doorbell Stress
Constant doorbell rings can send even calm dogs into a frenzy of barking and jumping.
Consider turning off the doorbell and asking guests to text when they arrive instead.
This simple adjustment reduces stress for noise-sensitive pets and prevents escape attempts when you open the door.
You might also practice calming techniques with your dog beforehand, rewarding quiet behaviour when the door opens.
Training takes time, but small improvements can make hosting much easier.
Your pet will appreciate the reduced chaos, and your guests won’t be greeted by an overexcited bundle of fur.
10. Watch For Decorative Hazards
Centrepieces with candles, autumn flowers, and decorative gourds add festive charm but can pose risks to curious pets.
Lilies, chrysanthemums, and certain seasonal plants are toxic to cats, while open flames invite burned whiskers or knocked-over disasters.
Place decorations out of reach or opt for battery-operated candles instead.
Tinsel, ribbon, and small ornamental items can cause intestinal blockages if swallowed.
A beautiful table setting isn’t worth a veterinary emergency, so think carefully about what you display and where you put it during your Thanksgiving celebration.
11. Limit Table Begging Behaviour
Thanksgiving dinner provides the ultimate temptation for table begging, but giving in creates habits that last long after the holiday ends.
Establish clear rules before guests arrive and ask everyone to follow them consistently.
If your dog knows begging doesn’t work, they’ll eventually settle down elsewhere.
Consider feeding your pet their regular meal before you sit down to eat, which reduces hunger-driven persistence.
You can also provide a special chew toy or long-lasting treat to keep them occupied.
Consistency from everyone at the table makes all the difference in maintaining good manners.
12. Plan For Overnight Guests And Pets
Overnight visitors bring extra challenges, from unfamiliar scents in your pet’s territory to doors left open accidentally.
Brief your guests on house rules regarding pets, including feeding schedules, door security, and which rooms are off-limits.
Some animals need gradual introductions to new people, especially if guests stay in spaces your pet considers their own.
Provide a safe zone where your dog or cat can retreat if they feel overwhelmed by the extended company.
Clear communication helps everyone coexist peacefully throughout the long weekend, reducing stress for both humans and animals alike.
