Is your dog the first to greet guests at the door, or are they busy keeping an eye on the kitchen and waiting for a tasty piece of turkey to hit the floor? Thanksgiving brings plenty of excitement, new faces, and tempting smells for curious pups! And while there’s room for your dog to enjoy the festivities, some preparation can help keep them safe, comfortable, and happy throughout the celebration. Check out our tips for making Thanksgiving enjoyable for everyone!

KEEP YOUR DOG SAFE AS GUESTS ARRIVE

Many dogs get excited when guests arrive, but a busy doorway can make it easy for a curious pup to slip outside unnoticed. Before guests arrive, secure exterior doors and gates if possible, and make sure your pup has proper identification on their collar in case they make it out the door. It’s also a great idea to talk to guests before they arrive and ask them to be mindful of your dog when coming in and out throughout the day.

If your pup gets especially excited when the doorbell rings, consider keeping them on a leash, safe crate or different room when guests arrive. Once everyone is inside and the door is closed, allow your dog to greet guests a few at a time to help manage their excitement.

A pug standing by the front door and looking alert, illustrating why dogs bark when they hear the doorbell.
See also

Why Does My Dog Bark at the Doorbell?

KEEP YOUR DOG AWAY FROM KITCHEN HAZARDS

The kitchen can get hectic during Thanksgiving, and your dog may think all that activity means something exciting is happening! Between hot dishes coming out of the oven, dropped food, sharp utensils, and people moving in every direction, the kitchen can quickly become a risky place for curious pups.

Give your dog a comfortable space away from the kitchen so you can safely prepare and serve food. This can help protect them from potential hazards, while also giving you more room to move around without worrying about tripping over your dog.

Keep meals, ingredients, packaging, garbage, and food scraps out of reach and secure from your pup so that they can’t access them, especially when you’re not looking. Also keep hot cookware and sharp utensils out of reach to avoid any injuries.

While some Thanksgiving foods are safe and healthy treats for dogs, others can be harmful even in small amounts. Keep track of which foods and ingredients you plan on serving and that your pup can safely enjoy.

Golden-brown dog sniffing a pumpkin while lying in the grass outdoors, representing fall pet safety and seasonal foods for dogs.
See also

Dog Dos and Don’ts: Fall-Themed Food

MAKE SURE GUESTS KNOW THE HOUSE RULES

Your guests may love your pup just as much as you do, but they can accidentally create safety risks by offering table scraps or encouraging unwanted behavior.

Before the festivities begin, let guests know your boundaries around feeding your dog, including whether your pup is allowed any treats at all. Remind them to keep plates, drinks, and leftovers out of reach, and to avoid leaving bags, purses, or other personal belongings where your pup can explore them, as they may unknowingly bring items that are harmful to your dog into your home.

If children will be joining the celebration, help make it a happy day for everyone by showing them how to give your pup gentle attention and a little space when needed. Dogs appreciate having some quiet time, especially when they are eating or resting. With a little guidance and supervision from the adults, kids and pups can enjoy the day together.

GIVE YOUR DOG A BREAK FROM THE FESTIVITIES

Even the most social, attention-loving pups can become overwhelmed by a house full of people, unfamiliar sounds, and constant activity.

Pay attention to your dog’s body language. Turning away, yawning, lip licking, hiding or walking away can be signs they need a break. Let them step back from the action instead of insisting on continued socialization.

Maintaining your dog’s usual feeding schedule and regular bathroom breaks can also help them feel more comfortable and keep their routine on track, even during the holiday excitement.

BRING YOUR DOG TO DOGTOPIA FOR THANKSGIVING

If you’re hosting a full house or need an extra hand keeping your dog entertained while you prepare for the festivities, Dogtopia can help!

With dog daycare and overnight boarding options available, your pup can enjoy a fun day of play and personalized care while you focus on your Thanksgiving plans. Contact a Dogtopia near you to book your dog’s holiday visit.

 

This blog was reviewed/edited by Dogtopia’s Senior Director of Health & Safety Lorraine Rhoads, an experienced animal biologist and environmental scientist.

tags