Tips for Bringing Your Dog to Thanksgiving

How to Make Your Holiday Stress-Free and Safe for Your Pup

Thanksgiving is a time for everyone to come together and celebrate the things they’re thankful for — and your dog should definitely be part of the fun! Whether you’re hosting or heading to a relative’s house, bringing your pup along can make the holiday even more special. That said, the holiday hustle and bustle can easily overwhelm pets. Between travel, guests, food, and decorations, there’s a lot to prepare for to make your dog Thanksgiving a safe and enjoyable experience.

There are many things that can harm your dog during the holidays — from toxic foods to unattended decorations. Plus, you’ll want your pup to be on their best behavior, especially if you’re bringing them to someone else’s home.

Here are some tips to make sure your Thanksgiving dog celebration goes smoothly.

1. Make Sure Your Dog Is Invited

Before packing up your dog’s bed and treats, double-check that your host is okay with canine guests. They may have other pets, allergies, or simply prefer a dog-free environment. Confirming ahead of time helps avoid any last-minute surprises and ensures everyone — humans and dogs alike — can relax and enjoy the day.

2. Tire Them Out Before Dinner

Take your dog for a long walk or engage in an energetic play session before heading to dinner. A tired dog is a calm dog! This helps reduce anxiety and keeps your pup from jumping on guests or begging at the table during your dog Thanksgiving dinner.

3. Dress to Impress

Thanksgiving photos aren’t just for people! Brush your dog’s coat, clean their paws, or even dress them up in a cute bandana or bowtie. Grooming your dog before the big day ensures they look (and smell) great when meeting friends and family.

4. Know What Dogs Can Eat on Thanksgiving

One of the most common questions pet parents ask is “what can dogs eat on Thanksgiving?” While many traditional dishes are off-limits, there are a few safe foods your dog can enjoy in moderation.

• Turkey (plain, unseasoned, and boneless)
• Mashed sweet potatoes (no sugar or marshmallows)
• Plain green beans
• Pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie filling)

Avoid giving your dog anything containing onions, garlic, butter, or seasoning, as these can cause stomach upset or even be toxic. Skip the stuffing, gravy, and desserts, and never give turkey bones, which can splinter and cause serious injury.

If you want to include your pup in the meal, prepare a small dog Thanksgiving dinner using plain cooked turkey and safe veggies. This way, they can celebrate right alongside you without the risk.

5. Include Your Dog in the Celebration Safely

Just because your dog can’t indulge in every Thanksgiving dish doesn’t mean they have to miss out on the celebration. In fact, there are plenty of safe and fun ways to make your dog Thanksgiving feel special. Consider preparing a small plate with their favorite treats or a few safe bites from your meal — like plain turkey and vegetables — so they can feel included during dinner. You can even make homemade dog-friendly “desserts” using pumpkin, peanut butter, or oats.

If your family enjoys holiday traditions, give your pup one too! A festive walk after dinner or a special toy wrapped as a “Thanksgiving gift” can make your dog Thanksgiving dinner memorable. Just remember to keep your pup’s routine as normal as possible — sticking to their feeding schedule, walk times, and rest breaks helps reduce stress amid the excitement.

Including your dog in safe, meaningful ways ensures they enjoy the holiday as much as everyone else — and keeps your Thanksgiving dog celebration joyful, not stressful.

6. Bring Comforts from Home

New environments can make dogs nervous. Bring their favorite toy, blanket, or bed so they have something familiar to relax with. If your host allows, set up a quiet corner where your dog can retreat when they need a break from the noise and excitement.

7. Know When to Leave Them Home

Not every dog enjoys large gatherings, and that’s okay. If your pet gets anxious, consider keeping them at home with a trusted pet sitter or boarding facility. Sometimes, the best dog Thanksgiving is a cozy one in their own familiar space.

Having your dog at Thanksgiving can make the holiday even more heartwarming. With a little planning and awareness of what foods and situations to avoid, you can make sure your celebration is festive, safe, and full of tail wags.

You can learn more about planning a safe and joyful dog Thanksgiving dinner here.