Thanksgiving is a special time to gather with friends and family, but it can be a challenging holiday for dog owners. From food hazards to handling a house full of guests, it’s essential to prepare for your dog’s safety and comfort. With these Thanksgiving tips, you can ensure a happy, safe, and calm holiday for you and your furry friend.
Thanksgiving Food Safety: What’s Safe for Dogs and What’s Not
Thanksgiving brings a feast of delicious food, but not everything on the table is safe for dogs. Here’s a breakdown of what’s okay for your dog to eat—and what should be avoided to keep them healthy.
Safe Thanksgiving Foods for Dogs
Plain Turkey (No Skin, Bones, or Seasonings): Lean, cooked turkey meat in small amounts is fine for dogs. Make sure it’s plain, without seasoning or gravy, as those can contain harmful ingredients like garlic and onions.
Sweet Potatoes: Cooked, unseasoned sweet potatoes are packed with fiber and vitamins. Avoid dishes that contain added sugars, marshmallows, or spices.
Green Beans: Plain green beans are low-calorie and nutritious. Avoid casserole versions, as they typically include harmful ingredients like onions and cream sauces.
Pumpkin: Plain, cooked pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling) is great for dogs’ digestive health and can even be a tasty treat.
Foods to Avoid
Stuffing and Gravy: These dishes usually contain onions, garlic, and seasonings that can cause serious health issues for dogs.
Turkey Bones and Skin: Bones can splinter, causing choking or internal injuries, and the fatty skin can lead to pancreatitis in dogs.
Mashed Potatoes with Add-Ins: Plain potatoes are fine, but if they contain butter, sour cream, or garlic, they could upset your dog’s stomach.
Pies and Sweets: Desserts, especially those containing chocolate, artificial sweeteners (like xylitol), or high amounts of sugar, should be kept away from dogs.
Alcohol: Even a small amount can be toxic to dogs, so be sure to keep wine and other alcoholic beverages out of reach.
It’s a good idea to prepare a small, dog-friendly Thanksgiving plate with approved foods. This way, your dog can enjoy a special treat without the risk.
Managing Your Dog During Thanksgiving Gatherings
With guests coming in and out, Thanksgiving can be overwhelming for a dog. Here are some tips to help your dog remain calm and comfortable during the festivities.
1. Designate a Safe Space
Create a calm, quiet spot for your dog to retreat if they feel stressed or overstimulated. This space could be a room or a cozy corner with their bed, favorite toys, and a water bowl. Let guests know this is your dog’s sanctuary and ask them not to disturb them there.
2. Provide Plenty of Exercise Beforehand
An active dog is usually a calmer dog. Take your dog on a long walk or have a play session before guests arrive. Getting rid of excess energy will help them relax and reduce anxiety once the house starts to fill up.
3. Greet Guests Mindfully
If your dog is prone to jumping on guests, consider keeping them on a leash when people first arrive. This way, you can control their excitement and introduce them to visitors calmly. Let your guests know not to encourage jumping or overly excited behavior.
4. Keep an Eye on Doors
With people coming in and out, there’s always a risk that your dog could slip outside unnoticed. Assign someone to watch the door, or use a baby gate to prevent your dog from getting too close to exits. For added safety, make sure your dog is wearing ID tags with updated contact information.
5. Watch for Signs of Stress
Keep an eye on your dog’s body language, and be mindful of signs of stress, such as yawning, lip licking, panting, or trying to hide. If you notice these signs, it’s time to take them to their safe space or give them a break from all the activity.
Creating Distractions for Your Dog
To prevent begging at the table or pestering guests, give your dog some activities to keep them occupied. Here are a few ideas:
Interactive Toys: Fill a treat-dispensing toy with some kibble or healthy treats to give your dog something to work on. This will keep them entertained and mentally engaged.
Long-Lasting Chews: Provide a safe chew or bone to occupy their time, especially during dinner. Look for options like bully sticks or dental chews that are suitable for dogs.
Puzzle Toys: Puzzle toys are a great way to keep your dog focused on something other than the tempting smells of Thanksgiving dinner.
Setting Boundaries with Guests
If you have guests who aren’t familiar with dogs, set a few ground rules to ensure everyone’s safety and comfort.
Educate Guests on Dog-Friendly Behaviors: Politely ask guests to avoid giving your dog table scraps or foods from their plate.
Encourage Calm Greetings: Ask guests not to approach or pet your dog if they’re in their designated safe space. Explain that giving them space helps keep everyone happy and calm.
Explain Off-Limit Foods: Let guests know which foods are unsafe for your dog and request they avoid sharing anything from their plate.
Final Thoughts
Thanksgiving is a wonderful time to create memories with loved ones, and with the right precautions, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable holiday for your dog too. By planning ahead with dog-friendly food options, creating a calm space, and setting boundaries, you’ll be able to manage the holiday with ease.
If you need extra help preparing your dog for big gatherings or reinforcing training before the holiday season, Vernon Dog Training is here to support you. Whether you’re working on socialization or creating boundaries, our team can help you and your dog navigate Thanksgiving stress-free.
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