Hosting Thanksgiving with Dogs: A Survival Guide

Thanksgiving is a special time of year to connect with loved ones, express gratitude, and enjoy delicious meals. But if you’re a dog owner, hosting Thanksgiving means managing the chaos of guests, food, and the unpredictable behavior of your furry family member. For many dogs, the holiday’s excitement can be overwhelming, while others revel in the extra attention (and potential food sneaks). Here’s your comprehensive survival guide to ensure both you and your dog have a safe and joyful holiday.

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1. Prepare a Pet -Friendly Space

When hosting, the energy and noise level in your home can skyrocket. Create a safe haven for your dog to retreat to when the hustle becomes overwhelming. Set up their bed, a soft blanket, their favorite toys or enrichment item, and a bowl of fresh water in a quieter part of your home. Consider using a baby gate or closing a door if you need to limit their access to busy areas.

Why It Helps:

  • Reduces your dog’s stress levels.
  • Prevents your dog from being overwhelmed by guests.
  • Provides a safe and controlled environment for decompression.

2. Exercise Beforehand

Before the holiday chaos kicks in, make sure to tire your dog out with plenty of physical activity. Plan a long walk, a jog, a hike, or a spirited game of fetch to burn off their excess energy. Engaging your dog in physical activity is not only a great way to help them release pent-up energy, but it also stimulates their mind, making them more likely to stay calm and relaxed once guests arrive.

Why It Helps:

  • Physical Tiredness Reduces Anxiety: Exercise helps to reduce stress and anxiety levels, ensuring your dog is less anxious or excitable during high-energy moments at home.
  • Better Behavior: A tired dog is often a well-behaved dog. They are less likely to jump on guests, beg for food, or engage in other unwanted behaviors.
  • Promotes Relaxation: Physical exertion triggers the release of endorphins in your dog’s body, leading to a calmer and happier state of mind.

3. Brush Up on Training

 

This is a good opportunity to practice and reinforce basic cues like “sit,” “stay,” “leave it,” and “go to your spot.” Refreshing your cues can be crucial in preventing your dog from jumping on guests, grabbing food off the table, or bolting out the door. Take some time to remind your pup how you’d like them to behave before the big day!

Pro Tips:

  • Have high-value treats on hand to reward good behavior. Need to order some treats before the big day? Check out some freeze dried beef treats here!
  • Place small treat stashes around the house so guests can reward your dog for good behavior, such as sitting calmly or staying on their spot. This can reinforce positive behavior and make guests feel more engaged with your pup!
  • Practice cues in short bursts leading up to the holiday.

4. Guard the Door

 

The constant flow of guests in and out of your home can create an escape risk for your dog. Assign a family member or trusted guest to keep an eye on your dog during arrivals and departures. Alternatively, keep your dog in their safe zone during this high-traffic period.

Why It Helps:

  • Prevents your dog from running out of the house.
  • Helps maintain order and safety during greetings.

5. Know Which Foods Are Dangerous

 

Thanksgiving meals often contain foods that are hazardous to dogs. Some common dangers include:

  • Onions and garlic (often found in stuffing)
  • Grapes and raisins (even a small amount can be toxic)
  • Chocolate (desserts are a major risk)
  • Cooked bones (can splinter and cause internal injuries)
  • High-fat foods (can lead to pancreatitis)

Make sure all guests know not to feed your dog from their plates. Place leftovers and dishes out of reach. Be especially cautious about trash, as it may contain bones or discarded scraps that could tempt your pup.

Pro Tips:

  • Provide your dog with their own special meal of dog-friendly treats to satisfy their curiosity.
  • Consider keeping your dog on a leash when the food is being served.

6. Offer Dog-Safe Treats

 

Keep your dog occupied and feeling included by providing them with dog-friendly treats or a special chew toy. You can even prepare a homemade “Thanksgiving meal” for your dog using safe foods such as plain turkey (no skin or seasoning), steamed green beans, and pumpkin puree.

Ideas for Dog-Safe Treats:

  • Frozen pumpkin puree in a Kong toy.
  • Dog-friendly turkey jerky.
  • Homemade pumpkin biscuits.

7. Watch for Socialization Stress

 

Not all dogs enjoy large gatherings, even if they are well-socialized. Monitor your dog’s behavior closely. If you notice signs of stress—such as pacing, excessive panting, hiding, or whining—allow them to take a break in their designated safe space.

Signs of Stress in Dogs:

  • Trembling or shaking
  • Tucked tail or ears pinned back
  • Lip licking or yawning frequently
  • Reluctance to interact with guests

Pro Tips:

  • Use calming products like dog anxiety wraps, pheromone sprays, or calming treats before guests arrive, check out our favorite calming treats here.
  • Reassure your dog with gentle petting, but also give them space to decompress.

8. Clean Up Quickly

 

Between dropped food, unguarded plates, and overflowing trash, your dog could easily find themselves in danger. Assign a designated clean-up patrol to ensure no harmful foods are left where curious noses can find them.

Tips for Quick Clean-Up:

  • Sweep or vacuum immediately after dinner.
  • Use secure, lidded trash cans.

9. Consider Professional Help

 

If you anticipate that hosting might be too stressful for you and your dog, consider alternatives such as hiring a pet sitter, taking your dog to daycare for the day, or having a trusted friend watch them. This can help ensure a stress-free holiday for all parties.

10. Give Thanks for and Enjoy the Holiday with Your Dog

 

As you celebrate the holiday, take a moment to be thankful for the joy, companionship, and unconditional love your dog brings into your life. Maybe even snap a festive photo with your furry family member to remember the special day!

Conclusion 

 Hosting Thanksgiving with dogs can be a fun and rewarding experience for everyone involved with just a little extra preparation. By creating a pet-friendly space, ensuring your dog gets plenty of exercise, reinforcing basic training, and keeping your dog safe from potential food hazards, you’ll set the stage for a smooth and stress-free holiday. Don’t forget to give your pup some extra attention with treats and a designated rest area, and always remember to take a moment to reflect on how grateful you are for your four-legged family member.

With these strategies in place, your Thanksgiving celebration can be joyful for both your human guests and your furry companions. After all, dogs bring so much love and joy to our lives—making them a part of the festivities only feels natural. So, let the gratitude flow, and happy Thanksgiving to you and your pup!

For a full list of our recommended Thanksgiving products, click here!

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