Keeping Dogs Safe This Thanksgiving: Essential Tips for a Stress-Free Holiday

Thanksgiving is a time to gather, celebrate and share good food. For many families, that also means including their dogs in the festivities. But the holiday bustle brings extra hazards that can easily go unnoticed. Recognising the risks in advance and planning accordingly will keep your dog safe, calm and part of the celebration.

Holiday Hazards for Dogs

When the door opens repeatedly, when the kitchen fills with cooking smells and when discarded food and packaging pile up, your dog faces a very different day from usual. Dogs are naturally curious and driven by scent and movement. A house full of guests, unfamiliar foods and new routines is an invitation to trouble if you do not manage the environment.

Bones from the turkey can splinter and cause internal injury. Fatty foods may upset digestion or even trigger pancreatitis. Common flavourings such as garlic, onions or chives are toxic to dogs. Planning ahead helps you avoid an emergency.

Manage Guest Traffic and Doorways

With friends and family coming and going, your dog may feel unsettled or tempted to dash out. The extra activity around entrances raises the risk of escape. Set up a quiet retreat area where your dog can rest safely, and use baby gates or barriers to control access to doors. Keeping microchip and ID tag details up to date gives peace of mind in case they do slip away.

Food Safety: What to Avoid and What to Offer

The kitchen is the main hazard zone on a Thanksgiving day. Some foods and ingredients can be dangerous. Never allow your dog access to cooked bones, as they can splinter easily. Avoid anything containing garlic, onion, chives, grapes, raisins or sweeteners such as xylitol. Rich desserts can also cause serious stomach upset.

You can still let your dog enjoy a safe treat. Offer a small piece of plain, cooked turkey breast, unseasoned vegetables like green beans or carrots, or a spoonful of plain pumpkin purée. These healthy options allow your dog to join in without risk.

Secure the Rubbish and Leftovers

After the meal, the rubbish becomes a tempting treasure hunt. Bones, foil, fatty scraps and plastic packaging can all cause harm if swallowed. Always use a sturdy bin with a secure lid and clear plates promptly. Keep bags and leftovers out of reach until they are safely disposed of.

Create a Calm, Predictable Environment

The changes in routine, noise and smells can overwhelm even the calmest dogs. Anxiety may appear as pacing, barking, hiding or clinginess. Give your dog a quiet space with their bed, toys and water where they can retreat during busy periods. Provide calm activities such as a chew toy or lick mat to help them settle. Keeping their normal walk and feeding times helps anchor their sense of routine.

Supervise Decorations and Kitchen Access

Festive decorations and cooking equipment can add hidden dangers. Candles, wires, decorative plants and dropped items can all attract curious dogs. Keep kitchen access limited when cooking, especially when hot oils or sharp utensils are in use. Prevent accidents by maintaining clear boundaries during meal preparation.

Travel and Overnight Guests

If you are travelling or hosting guests, plan ahead for your dog’s comfort and safety. Use a seatbelt harness or carrier during travel, and bring familiar bedding to help your dog feel secure in new surroundings. If your dog will stay with a sitter or at a boarding facility, provide clear information about their feeding and exercise routine. Let guests know house rules about feeding or letting the dog outside. Consistency keeps everyone relaxed.

Training and Supervision During the Feast

Meal time is often the most chaotic part of the day. It is easy for a dog to slip food from a plate or be accidentally overfed by well-meaning guests. Use gates or set up a calm resting space away from the table. Explain to guests that feeding from the table encourages begging and can be unsafe. A stuffed Kong or chew given before the meal can help keep your dog occupied.

Recognising Signs of Stress or Illness

Even a well-prepared dog can feel overwhelmed. Watch for warning signs such as:

• Excessive drooling or lip licking

• Restlessness or hiding

• Refusal to eat

• Vomiting or diarrhoea

• Panting when the room is calm

• Sudden attempts to escape through open doors

If you notice any of these behaviours, give your dog a quiet break or contact a vet if you suspect illness. Acting early prevents problems from escalating.

Post-Feast Care

After the main event, your dog may feel tired or overstimulated. Take them for a gentle walk or sniffing activity to help release energy. Then offer a calm, dimly lit space for rest. Avoid introducing new training or commands immediately after a long day. Their body and mind may need time to reset.

Conclusion: Celebrate Safely

Thanksgiving should be enjoyable for everyone, dogs included. By planning ahead, watching for hazards and maintaining calm routines, you can keep your dog safe and relaxed throughout the day. Small adjustments make a big difference to their comfort and wellbeing.

A little preparation means you can celebrate together with confidence, knowing your dog is protected from harm and stress.

💛 Keep Learning and Supporting Your Dog This Thanksgiving

If you found this article helpful, you’ll love our free downloadable guide, Thanksgiving with Dogs: A Calm Guide to Safety and Celebration. It’s filled with simple, science-based tips to help you keep your dog relaxed, safe and happy throughout the holidays.

🎁 Download your free guide here

You can also listen to our latest Barks to Basics podcast episode, where I talk about Thanksgiving from a behaviourist’s perspective and share practical advice for creating calm in busy homes.

🎧 Listen here

At Paws Academy, we support dogs and owners globally, helping families build calm, confident relationships based on trust and understanding.