Thanksgiving is a time of joy, togetherness, and—let’s be honest—feasting! But while we humans are busy enjoying family traditions and indulging in second (or third) helpings of pumpkin pie, it’s important to ensure our beloved pets are safe, comfortable, and healthy during the celebrations.

From food temptations to the hustle and bustle of guests, Thanksgiving can bring some unexpected challenges for our furry companions. Here are some practical tips to keep your pets feeling their absolute best this holiday season.

1. Protect Pets from Harmful Foods

Thanksgiving tables (and sometimes floors) are brimming with delicious dishes, but no matter how adorable the pleading puppy-dog eyes are, not all are safe for dogs. Here’s what to avoid sharing with your furry friends:

🚫 Turkey Bones and Skin: Cooked bones can splinter and cause choking or digestive injuries, while the rich, seasoned skin can upset sensitive stomachs.
🚫 Onions, Garlic, and Chives: Common in stuffing and other dishes, these ingredients can be toxic to both dogs and cats.
🚫 Desserts Containing Chocolate or Xylitol: Both are extremely dangerous and can lead to serious health problems.
🚫 Fatty Foods: Mashed potatoes with butter, gravy, and creamy casseroles might taste heavenly, but they can cause pancreatitis in pets.

✅ Instead, opt for safe, pet-friendly options like plain turkey meat (without skin or seasoning), steamed vegetables, or a special pet treat to make them feel included.

Pet hospitals see a huge spike in dogs with Pancreatitis, a condition where there’s inflammation of the pancreas which can cause damage to it and surrounding tissue, around the holidays. So please take great care when sharing the tasty goodies with them, keeping them to a minimum and taking extra care if they have a sensitive stomach.

2. Create a Calm Space

Thanksgiving gatherings can be overwhelming for pets, especially if they’re not used to a house full of guests. Consider setting up a cozy retreat where they can escape the noise.

Choose a Quiet Room: Fill it with their bed, favorite toys, and perhaps a white noise machine to muffle sounds.
Provide Comfort Items: A blanket that smells like you or a calming pheromone diffuser can help ease anxiety.
Limit Interactions: If your pet is shy or easily stressed, let guests know to give them space rather than trying to coax them out for cuddles. Remember, they deserve to be respected and not touched, too.

3. Supervise with Kids and Guests

Holidays are about connection, but not all visitors understand pet etiquette. A few simple reminders can ensure everyone gets along:

Show kids how to approach and pet animals respectfully, and teach them not to follow or chase them if they choose to walk away. Always supervise young children around dogs, even if your dog is social and friendly. We all have our limits.

Keep a close eye on the door. With frequent comings and goings, it’s easy for a pet to slip outside unnoticed. Assign someone to keep an eye on doors or use baby gates for extra security.

💡 Bonus tip: If your pets have any trackers they use, be sure they’re charged and attached, just in case.

4. Avoid Decoration Hazards

Thanksgiving decor is festive, but some items can pose risks for curious pets:

Always keep candles and open flames out of reach to avoid any accidental burns or spills from being knocked over. Candles made with essential oils or with paraffin wax should always be avoided.

For my plant loving friends, avoid autumn favorites like chrysanthemums and lilies. They’re beautiful but can be dangerous if ingested.

5. Plan for Exercise and Enrichment

Before guests arrive, ensure your dog has had plenty of physical activity and mental stimulation. A long walk or an engaging game of fetch can help tire them out and reduce anxiety. For less adventurous cats, spend some time playing with a feather toy or try interactive toys or a puzzle feeder to keep them entertained while you’re busy in the kitchen.

6. Keep Emergency Contacts Handy

Despite our best efforts, accidents can happen. Save your veterinarian’s phone number and the nearest 24-hour emergency animal clinic in an easily accessible spot. Quick action can make all the difference in a pet emergency. Hopefully they won’t be needed.

Gratitude for Our Four-Legged Friends

Thanksgiving is the perfect time to reflect on the joy and unconditional love our pets bring to our lives. Taking a little extra care to ensure their safety and happiness during the festivities is a wonderful way to show how much they mean to us.

Wishing you and your furry companions a warm, safe, and love-filled Thanksgiving!

What about you?

Do you have any Thanksgiving traditions that include your pets? Share your favorite stories or tips in the comments below—we’d love to hear them!

Keeping Your Pets Safe, Happy, and Healthy This Thanksgiving