Turkey Time, Tail-Safe: Thanksgiving Safety for Dogs 🦃🐾
Thanksgiving is a feast for humans—but can spell trouble for dogs if we’re not careful. From table scraps to crowded gatherings and busy travel, November brings seasonal challenges that every pet parent should plan for. Here’s how to keep your pup safe, calm, and comfortable.
🍗 What Thanksgiving Leftovers Are Dangerous for Dogs?
Turkey Bones: Splinter easily and can puncture intestines.
Skin & Gravy: Fatty foods can cause pancreatitis.
Stuffing & Onions: Onions, garlic, and chives are toxic.
Raisins, Grapes, Pies: Kidney failure risks.
Alcohol or Coffee: Even small amounts are poisonous.
The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center reports a spike in pet emergencies every Thanksgiving, often linked to table scraps.
👉 The Pet Emergency Playbook includes a Holiday Food Hazard Chart and Emergency First-Aid Protocols for quick action.
🏡 How Can You Manage Holiday Guests With Dogs?
Thanksgiving gatherings can overwhelm pups—especially rescues or anxious dogs.
Create a Quiet Space: Crates or safe rooms away from noise.
Routine Is Key: Keep walks and meals consistent.
Guest Rules: No table scraps, supervised play with kids.
Enrichment Tools: Puzzle feeders distract during mealtimes.
👉 The Separation Anxiety Playbook includes enrichment schedules and Holiday Guest Routines to reduce stress.
Fear Free Pets highlights that predictable routines and safe retreats are critical to managing holiday stress in pets.
🚗 What Should You Know About Thanksgiving Travel With Dogs?
Car Travel: Use crash-tested harnesses or crates.
Pack the Essentials: Food, bowls, meds, bedding, first-aid kit.
Boarding or Sitters: Reserve early to avoid last-minute stress.
Emergency Vets: Research clinics near your travel destination.
👉 The Cost of Ownership Playbook provides budgeting tools for holiday boarding, sitters, and travel costs.
The AVMA Travel Safety Tips provide additional advice for safe journeys.
🗑️ How Can You Prevent Trash Raids After Dinner?
Use pet-proof trash cans with lids.
Clear leftovers promptly.
Keep foil, bones, and skewers out of reach.
👉 The Pet Emergency Playbook includes first-aid protocols for ingestion of trash, bones, and fatty foods.
🐾 Yumi’s Pep Talk: Gratitude Is Safety 🧡
Thanksgiving is about gratitude and love. By protecting your pup from food hazards, planning for guests, and preparing for travel, you’ll create a stress-free celebration for the whole family.
Problem-to-Solution CTA:
🐶 Don’t let table scraps or travel stress spoil the season—grab the Pet Emergency Playbook for toxic food charts, emergency protocols, and checklists that keep Thanksgiving safe.