Feast Without Fear: Thanksgiving Pet Safety Tips for 2025
Turkey, stuffing, pumpkin pie 🦃🥧—Thanksgiving is a feast for humans, but it can be a hidden minefield for dogs. From fatty foods to crowded gatherings, pups face risks that can spoil the holiday. Here’s how to celebrate safely while keeping your furry family member happy and healthy.
🍗 What Thanksgiving Foods Are Dangerous for Dogs?
Turkey Bones & Skin: Bones can splinter; skin is high in fat.
Stuffing & Onions: Onions, garlic, and chives are toxic.
Gravy & Fatty Foods: Can trigger pancreatitis.
Grapes & Raisins: Cause kidney failure in dogs.
Alcohol & Caffeine: Dangerous even in small amounts.
According to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, Thanksgiving is one of the busiest times for emergency calls about pet food ingestion.
👉 For full food safety charts and emergency steps, see the Pet Emergency Playbook
🏡 How Can You Keep Dogs Calm With Holiday Guests?
Thanksgiving often means crowded homes, loud chatter, and new smells—all overwhelming for dogs.
Quiet Zones: Create a crate or safe room with toys.
Stick to Routines: Walks and meals at usual times.
Guest Guidelines: Ask visitors not to feed table scraps.
Kids & Dogs: Always supervise to prevent accidents.
👉 The Separation Anxiety Playbook provides a Holiday Stress Routine with enrichment ideas and desensitization exercises.
Fear Free Pets notes that predictable routines and safe retreats are the best tools for reducing holiday stress in pets.
🚗 What Should You Know About Thanksgiving Travel With Dogs?
Secure Transport: Use harnesses or crates in the car.
Pack Essentials: Food, bowls, medication, bedding.
Boarding or Sitters: Plan early, as holiday spots fill fast.
Emergency Vets: Research clinics near your destination.
👉 Budgeting tip: The Cost of Ownership Playbook includes travel and pet-sitter cost tracking so you’re financially prepared for holiday care.
See the AVMA Pet Travel Guidelines for more detailed travel safety advice.
🎃 Are Holiday Décor and Leftovers Risky?
Candles: Knocked over flames = fire hazards.
Leftovers: Bones, fatty scraps, and desserts left on counters tempt pups.
Trash Cans: Dogs may dig into turkey carcasses or foil.
👉 The Pet Emergency Playbook covers prevention and emergency actions if your dog raids the trash or sneaks leftovers.
🐾 Yumi’s Pep Talk: Gratitude Means Safety Too 🦃
Thanksgiving is about gratitude, family, and love. Keeping your dog safe ensures the whole family enjoys the holiday. With the right prep—and the right playbook—you’ll prevent mishaps and keep tails wagging all season.
Problem-to-Solution CTA:
🐶 Don’t leave your pup’s safety to luck—grab the Pet Emergency Playbook for toxic food charts, first-aid checklists, and emergency protocols to protect your dog this Thanksgiving.