Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, and of course, food! But while we’re enjoying the festivities, it’s important to remember our furry companions and ensure they’re included in a safe and fun way. From pet-friendly treats to avoiding holiday hazards, here’s everything you need to know to make Thanksgiving a great time for your pets.

Pet-Friendly Thanksgiving Treats

While it’s tempting to share your holiday feast with your pets, many Thanksgiving staples aren’t safe for them. But don’t worry—there are plenty of safe and delicious options to let them join in the celebration.

• Turkey (in moderation): Lean, plain turkey meat (without seasoning or skin) is safe for most pets. Just be sure to avoid bones and rich, fatty skin, which can cause digestive issues.
• Pumpkin: Plain, cooked pumpkin (not the pie filling) is a nutritious and tasty treat for dogs and cats. It’s great for digestion and can be served as a small side dish for your pet.
• Sweet Potatoes: Plain, cooked sweet potatoes are a healthy, fiber-rich snack for pets. Just be sure to avoid dishes that contain marshmallows, butter, or spices, as these ingredients can be harmful.
• Green Beans: Unsalted, plain green beans are a low-calorie, pet-friendly option that can be offered as a treat.

Foods to Avoid

Not all Thanksgiving foods are safe for pets. It’s essential to be aware of the common ingredients and dishes that can be harmful.

• Stuffing and Gravy: Stuffing often contains onions, garlic, and herbs that are toxic to pets. Gravy is high in fat and can cause digestive upset or even pancreatitis.
• Bones: Turkey bones may seem like a natural treat, but they can splinter and cause choking or damage to your pet’s digestive tract.
• Desserts: Avoid sharing desserts, especially those that contain chocolate, raisins, or xylitol, as these ingredients are toxic to pets.
• Alcohol: Alcohol can be extremely dangerous to pets, even in small amounts. Keep all drinks out of your pet’s reach to prevent accidental ingestion.

Create a Safe Space for Your Pets

Thanksgiving gatherings can be overwhelming for pets, especially with lots of guests, noise, and activity. It’s important to give them a safe, quiet space to retreat to if they become anxious or overstimulated.

• Set up a pet-friendly room: Designate a quiet room or area in your home where your pet can relax. Fill it with their favorite bed, toys, and maybe even some soothing background music to help them feel more at ease.
• Watch the door: With guests coming and going, the front door will likely be open more often than usual. This can create an opportunity for pets to slip outside unnoticed. Make sure your pet is safely secured, and if they tend to be escape artists, consider using gates or closing off certain areas of the house.

Keep Decorations Pet-Safe

Thanksgiving decorations add to the holiday cheer, but some can pose risks to your pets.

• Candles: Be cautious with candles, as curious pets can knock them over and cause a fire hazard. Opt for flameless candles or place them in areas that are out of your pet’s reach.
• Floral Arrangements: Some popular Thanksgiving flowers, like lilies and chrysanthemums, are toxic to pets. Make sure any arrangements you bring into the home are safe for your furry friends.
• Strings and Ribbons: If you’re decorating with ribbons, be mindful of your pets, especially cats. They may be tempted to chew or swallow these items, which can lead to digestive issues or choking hazards.

Exercise and Entertainment

With all the cooking, cleaning, and entertaining, it’s easy to forget that pets still need their daily exercise and mental stimulation. Keeping them engaged can prevent boredom and ensure they aren’t underfoot during the busy holiday.

• Take a pre-dinner walk: A long walk before the festivities begin can help tire out your dog and reduce their anxiety around guests.
• Interactive toys: Provide your pets with engaging toys, like puzzle feeders or chew toys, to keep them occupied while you prepare the meal or entertain guests.
• Playtime breaks: If you have a lot of guests over, schedule a few play breaks for your pet to help them burn off energy and feel included in the day’s activities.

Be Mindful of Stress

The hustle and bustle of Thanksgiving can be stressful for pets, especially if they’re not used to large gatherings. Be mindful of their body language and provide them with breaks if they seem overwhelmed.

• Look for signs of stress: If your pet is pacing, hiding, panting, or showing other signs of anxiety, it’s time to give them a break from the action.
• Stick to their routine: Try to maintain your pet’s regular feeding, walking, and bathroom schedule to provide a sense of normalcy amidst the excitement.
• Comfort items: Make sure your pet has access to their favorite blanket, bed, or toy to help them feel more secure.

Include Your Pets in the Celebration

Thanksgiving is all about family, and pets are definitely part of that! Consider ways to include them in the festivities:

• Pet-friendly leftovers: After the meal, you can set aside a small portion of pet-safe foods (like plain turkey, green beans, and sweet potatoes) to create their own mini Thanksgiving feast.
• Pet photo shoot: Get your pets in on the fun by staging a Thanksgiving-themed photoshoot. Dress them in festive bandanas or collars and capture the holiday memories.
• Invite them to the table (figuratively): While your pet can’t sit down at the dinner table, you can set them up nearby with their own special meal to make them feel like part of the celebration.

Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on what we’re grateful for, and for many of us, our pets are high on that list. By following these tips, you can ensure that both you and your furry family members have a happy, healthy, and safe holiday. From pet-friendly treats to ensuring they have a quiet space to retreat, a little preparation goes a long way in making Thanksgiving enjoyable for everyone in your home.

Happy Thanksgiving to you and your pets! 🦃🐾