Ever find your dog gazing up at you during Thanksgiving dinner and wonder what’s on its mind? As you gear up for the holiday feast, your furry friend is probably dreaming about that juicy turkey just as much as you are. Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, gratitude and creating lasting memories — and that includes your beloved pet. But before you load up the car for Grandma’s house, there are a few things to keep in mind to keep your dog healthy and confident during the celebration.
Ever wondered how dogs and Thanksgiving work when it comes to food or how to manage your dog’s behavior amidst the holiday buzz? A little preparation can make all the difference. Here’s everything you need to know to create a tail-wagging Thanksgiving celebration.
What Thanksgiving Foods Your Dog Can (and Can’t!) Gobble Up
It’s tough to resist those puppy eyes looking up from under the table. Sharing a bit of your Thanksgiving feast with your dog can be a fun way to include it in the celebration, but it’s essential to know which foods are safe and which ones to avoid.
Safe dog foods include:
- Plain turkey meat: Lean, white turkey meat without skin, salt, spices, or turkey bones is a great source of protein for your dog.
- Cooked sweet potatoes: Plain, mashed sweet potatoes are rich in vitamins and fiber. Make sure they’re unseasoned and free of added sugars.
- Steamed green beans: Low in calories and packed with nutrients, these are a healthy snack for your pup.
- Plain pumpkin: A spoonful of plain, cooked or canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling) can help digestion.
Picture your dog happily munching on a small piece of turkey as you gather around the table to enjoy a Thanksgiving meal. It’s a heartwarming way to ensure everyone—including your furry family member—feels part of the holiday festivities.
Dogs and Thanksgiving foods that don’t mix include:
- Stuffing and gravy: Often loaded with onions, garlic and rich spices, these can be toxic to dogs.
- Onions and garlic: Even small amounts can make your dog very sick.
- Chocolate and desserts: Chocolate, raisins, grapes and artificial sweeteners such as xylitol are highly toxic.
- Fatty foods: High-fat items like turkey skin or ham can lead to pancreatitis.
Think of these foods as a ‘no-go zone.’ Just as you wouldn’t let a toddler near a hot stove, you need to keep these items far from your dog.
Portion control matters
Overindulging is a holiday hazard for humans — and it can be for dogs, too. Feeding your dog too much can lead to stomach upset or more severe health issues. Stick to small portions, and consider using your dog’s regular food bowl to measure out treats instead of offering scraps from the table. This can help prevent unwanted behaviors, which your dog likely won’t be able to resist if it’s indulged even just once.
Another unwanted behavior is humping. If you’re concerned about your dog, see: Why Dogs Hump and What It Means.
Getting Your Dog to Thanksgiving Safely
Dogs and Thanksgiving can equal a whole lot of fun, but a little planning goes a long way when it comes to enjoying a smooth car journey.
Here’s how you can prepare for your trip:
- Desensitize your dog to travel: If your dog isn’t used to car rides, start with short trips around the neighborhood to get it comfortable.
- Invest in a dog seatbelt or harness: Safety first. A secure harness can protect your dog in case of sudden stops.
- Pack familiar items: Bring your dog’s favorite toys, blanket, or bed for comfort.
- Plan for breaks: Schedule stops every couple of hours for bathroom breaks and a stretch.
Picture your dog comfortably nestled in the back seat with its favorite toys while the family cruises down the highway, singing holiday tunes.
Keeping a preparation checklist handy will help you feel more confident and put you in a better position for a smooth ride:
- Crate or carrier for safely traveling with your dog
- Leash and collar with identification tags
- Dog seatbelt or harness
- Halo Collar for GPS tracking and creating a virtual fence
- Collapsible food and water bowls
- Medications and a first-aid kit
- Waste bags for stops along the way
If you’re staying overnight, check that your accommodations are pet-friendly. Websites like BringFido can help you find dog-friendly places to stay.
Keeping Your Dog Chill Amidst the Chaos
With new faces, loud conversations, the holiday buzz and tempting aromas everywhere, you’ll need to take extra steps to make sure your dog feels calm and comfortable.
Set up a quiet spot or Zen den where your dog can retreat if things get too overwhelming. It could be a spare room or a cozy corner with its crate. To make it extra appealing:
- Include comfort items such as favorite toys and bedding.
- Consider calming music or white noise to drown out the holiday hustle and bustle.
With your dog peacefully lounging in its Zen den, the family can get on with enjoying the feast. However, it’s still important to make sure everyone knows how to interact with your dog respectfully:
- No feeding table scraps to avoid harmful foods and unwanted habits.
- Supervise interactions with children, helping them understand the importance of approaching your dog gently.
- Keep doors closed to prevent your dog from slipping out unnoticed. Assign someone to keep an eye on entrances or use baby gates.
- Monitor kitchen preparation zones diligently, especially where onion, garlic, grapes and raisins might be present.
- Consider using pet-safe calming sprays or plug-in diffusers with natural pheromones to help soothe your dog.
- Having something familiar, like a blanket or piece of clothing that smells like you, can provide extra comfort.
Last but not least, you’ll need to keep your dog entertained and stave off boredom. Here’s how:
- Provide interactive toys like puzzle feeders to occupy your dog’s attention.
- Stick to your dog’s regular feeding schedule to reduce anxiety.
- Give your dog a good walk or intensive play session before guests arrive to help burn off energy.
- Give your dog a safe, long-lasting chew to keep it engaged while you entertain guests.
- Hide small, healthy treats around a designated area for your dog to find. This can help stimulate the mind and reduce boredom.
- Bring out different toys throughout the day to keep your dog’s interest piqued and prevent it from getting bored with one toy.
For more tips on managing your dog’s behavior, see Dog Sleeping Positions and What They Mean.
Paw-some Thanksgiving: Time to Celebrate!
Plan ahead with safe food choices, thoughtful travel preparations and strategies to manage your dog’s behavior, and you’re setting the stage for a memorable Thanksgiving for everyone involved.
As you gather around the table, you can relax knowing your dog is safe, confident, comfortable and part of the celebration. Don’t forget to snap a few pictures of your dog enjoying the festivities. Any loved ones missing from the celebration will want to see them, and you can look back on them for years to come and spark fond memories.
And for extra peace of mind during your holiday travels, check out Halo Collar’s features. It uses cutting-edge technology that can help keep your dog safe, at home or on the road.
Have your own Thanksgiving tips or stories about your dog? We’d love to hear them. Share your experiences in the comments below.
