Thanksgiving is a time of food, family, and gratitude—but for pet parents, it’s also a time to be extra mindful of our four-legged family members. While you’re busy basting the turkey and prepping your favorite side dishes, your dog may be eyeing the action… and the scraps.
At Kennel to Couch, we’re all about celebrating the holidays with your pup by your side—safely. Here’s a guide to help keep your dog healthy, happy, and stress-free this Thanksgiving.
1. Watch the Table Scraps
It can be hard to resist those puppy-dog eyes at the dinner table, but many traditional Thanksgiving foods are not safe for dogs. Avoid giving your dog:
- Turkey bones – They can splinter and cause internal damage.
- Stuffing – Often contains onions, garlic, or spices that are toxic to dogs.
- Fatty foods – Too much fat can lead to pancreatitis.
- Grapes or raisins – Extremely toxic, even in small amounts.
- Chocolate, alcohol, or desserts – Dangerous for dogs and should be kept far out of reach.
Instead, treat your pup with a small portion of plain turkey (no skin or seasoning) or a special dog-friendly treat.
2. Keep Trash Secure
The aftermath of Thanksgiving often leaves tempting smells wafting from the trash can. Dogs are notorious for “dumpster diving,” and ingesting leftovers, foil, bones, or packaging can result in choking, digestive blockages, or worse.
Use pet-proof trash cans and keep garbage out of reach to avoid emergency vet visits.
3. Create a Safe, Quiet Space
Hosting a full house? Not every pup is a social butterfly. All the new faces, loud conversations, and movement can be overwhelming—even for well-adjusted dogs.
Make sure your dog has a quiet room or cozy crate where they can retreat, relax, and enjoy a break from the crowd. Add a blanket, toys, or a long-lasting chew to keep them content.
4. Monitor the Doors
With guests coming and going, doors may be left open unintentionally. That’s a risk for dogs who might be curious, anxious, or excited enough to bolt outside.
- Ask guests to be mindful of your pets.
- Use baby gates or keep your dog in a secure area.
- Make sure your dog is wearing up-to-date ID tags and is microchipped just in case.
5. Stick to Their Routine
Dogs thrive on consistency. Try to stick to your dog’s regular feeding, potty, and walk schedules as closely as possible. Even 15 minutes of exercise before guests arrive can go a long way in helping your dog feel more settled.
And don’t forget: a tired dog is a happy (and less mischievous) dog!
Thankful for You—and Your Commitment to Pets
Thanksgiving is a time to celebrate what we’re grateful for—and at Kennel to Couch, we’re incredibly thankful for pet parents like you who make dogs a cherished part of the family.
By taking a few simple precautions, you can enjoy the holiday with your dog by your side—and keep them safe and content the whole time.
Wishing you and your pup a joyful, tail-wagging Thanksgiving!
Visit KenneltoCouch.org to meet our adoptable pit bulls and learn how you can support shelter dogs this holiday season.
Recent Comments