From Chaos to Calm: A Dog Parent’s Guide to a Safe Thanksgiving
We try to make Thanksgiving about being grateful, friends and family and, of course, a lot of delicious food, but it can also quickly go from cozy to chaotic for your dog. With a few mindful steps, you can keep your buddy safe and calm. Here’s how to dog-proof your home so you can ALL enjoy the holiday.
1. Keep Food Out of Reach
Many Thanksgiving foods are hazardous to dogs—think turkey skin, cooked bones, stuffing, and certain desserts. If you want them to share in the feast, set out pet-safe snacks like plain turkey, sweet potatoes, and carrots if you want your dog to enjoy a taste. Clear counters, secure leftovers, and keep the trash can tightly closed.
Not ALL dogs are allergic to the foods below, but they are the common dangerous ones. And be aware, there is a difference between a nibble and grabbing the entire dish from the counter!
Potentially Hazardous Foods:
Turkey skin (contains a LOT of fat, hard to chew and is a choking hazard)
Cooked turkey bones (brittle and are a choking hazard)
Stuffing (packed with sodium and fat, and often contains onions and garlic)
Gravy (usually too much sodium and fat)
Nuts (allergies)
Cranberry sauce (large quantities can cause issues)
Nutmeg (large quantities can be harmful)
Corn cobs (choking hazard)
Here’s a dog friendly recipe for Peanut Butter Pumpkin Sweet Potato Pupcakes. If you’re lucky, your dog MAY share with you!
2. Dog-Proof Decorations
Decor can set the mood, but some items pose a threat to curious pups. Candles, electrical cords, and certain plants (like hydrangeas, holly boughs and poinsettias ) can be hazardous. Place these out of reach or opt for dog-friendly alternatives to keep your home festive and safe. Try some battery-operated, flame-less candles and silk faux plants.
3. Set Up a Safe Space
We may love all of the activity of a busy household, but all the new sounds, smells, and guests can overwhelm dogs. Create a quiet, cozy area away from the crowd with their bed or crate (train them to it FIRST) favorite toys, water, and treats and soothing music. Watch for signs of stress, like tucked tails, excessive panting, or over-excitement, and guide them to their safe space if they need a break.
4. Prevent Escapes
With guests coming and going, doors may be left open and that means an easy escape for your dog. Use baby gates to block entrances, keep your dog’s collar on and make sure there is contact information attached, and make sure your dog has a microchip and all information is up-to-date. Also, use all the training games you’ve learned to exercise and brain-train your dog before guests arrive to help them feel calm and confident.
5. Encourage Calm Guest Interactions
Give guests a heads-up about your dog, and set a few boundaries: no feeding scraps, keeping doors closed, keeping an eye on your own food and drink, and supervising kids around your pet. Clear guidelines will keep everyone comfortable and make sure your dog feels calm, confident, and connected to the holiday fun.
With a little planning, Thanksgiving can be a wonderful experience for you and your dog. Got any other dog-proofing tips? Share them below!
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