As Thanksgiving approaches, families across the United States are eagerly preparing to gather around the dinner table, sharing in the warmth and gratitude that define the holiday season. For dog owners, this festive time brings an added layer of joy—and responsibility—as they consider how to make Thanksgiving with Fido both enjoyable and safe. Whether you’re contemplating which delicious dishes are canine-friendly or how to keep your furry friend calm amid the hustle and bustle of guests, planning ahead is key. Including your dog in the celebrations not only enriches the experience but also creates lasting memories for the whole family. In this article, we’ll explore expert tips and advice on navigating Thanksgiving with Fido, from pet-safe foods and décor hazards to managing social interactions, ensuring that your holiday is filled with gratitude, joy, and plenty of wagging tails.
Thanksgiving is just around the corner! Dogs are definitely something to be thankful for! Of course, as you prepare for the big day, Fido may very well be underfoot, sticking close by in the hopes that you’ll ‘accidentally’ drop a tasty treat or two. Just be sure to keep your pet’s health and safety in mind as the autumn holiday approaches. Here, a McHenry, IL vet discusses Thanksgiving with Fido.
Food
There’s no reason your pup can’t enjoy a special holiday snack. Just be very careful with what you give your pooch. Many popular holiday foods are poisonous to dogs. Never give Fido anything that contains garlic, onion, scallions, or chives; nuts; chocolate; caffeine; alcohol; grapes, currants, or raisins; or xylitol. Pitted fruits, especially avocados, are also on the no-no list, as are raw meat, dough, and yeast; meat on the bone; and candy. Offer your furry friend some plain, cooked, meat, fish, or poultry with the skin, bones, and fat removed.
Guests
Celebrating Thanksgiving with Fido can be a joyous occasion, but while some dogs see visitors as opportunities for extra belly rubs and ear scratches, others become uneasy when guests arrive. If Fido gets overexcited or nervous around company during the holiday, consider putting him in a quiet back room with food, toys, treats, and bedding when people start to arrive. Use a baby gate at the door so he can still see, hear, and interact with you, and won’t feel so isolated.
Begging
We know, it can be hard to resist those adorable puppy-dog eyes. However, at the end of the day, begging is bad petiquette! It can also make visitors uncomfortable. Keep Fido in another area while you’re eating, and feed him at the same time, so he’ll be more preoccupied with his meal than yours. We also recommend tiring your pup out with a long walk and a vigorous play session before guests arrive. Tired dogs are good dogs!
Hazards
Thanksgiving with Fido can be a delightful experience, but never underestimate his ability to get himself into trouble! Trash is one thing to be concerned about during the holiday festivities. You don’t want your pet trying to score leftovers out of the garbage, as it could contain dangerous items like bones, tin foil, toothpicks, wrappers, can lids, and other hazards. Candles, heaters, and even decorative items are also dangerous to dogs. Keep these things in secure places your pup can’t reach. For more information on seasonal dangers, check out our article on Fall Hazards for Pets.
Thanksgiving with Fido in 2025: Safe Recipes and Precautions for Dogs
What are some safe and dog-friendly Thanksgiving recipes?
Offering plain, cooked turkey meat without skin, bones, or fat is a safe Thanksgiving treat for dogs. Ensure the meat is unseasoned, as ingredients like garlic, onions, and certain spices are harmful to them. Steamed vegetables such as carrots or green beans can also be included as healthy side dishes. Avoid giving foods that contain chocolate, nuts, xylitol, or other toxic substances. By providing simple, unseasoned portions of the holiday meal, it’s possible to let a dog enjoy Thanksgiving festivities without compromising their health.
What are the dangers of raw bread dough for dogs?
Raw bread dough poses significant risks to dogs if ingested. When a dog consumes raw dough, the warmth of its stomach provides an ideal environment for the yeast to continue fermenting. This fermentation process causes the dough to expand, potentially leading to gastric dilation or bloating, which can be life-threatening. Additionally, yeast fermentation produces ethanol, resulting in alcohol poisoning. Symptoms may include disorientation, vomiting, weakness, and even seizures. Immediate veterinary attention is necessary if a dog has eaten raw dough to prevent severe health complications or death. It’s best to keep raw dough out of reach to ensure pet safety.
How can herbs like sage affect pets?
Herbs like sage are generally safe for pets when consumed in small amounts. However, ingesting large quantities can lead to digestive issues such as vomiting or diarrhea. Some herbs commonly used in holiday cooking, like garlic, onions, chives, and scallions, are toxic to pets and can cause serious health problems like anemia. During meal preparation and festivities, it’s important to keep herbs and seasoned foods out of reach to prevent accidental ingestion. Monitoring what pets have access to can help avoid potential health risks associated with certain herbs.
How can you provide a special Thanksgiving treat for pets without human food?
Providing a special Thanksgiving treat for pets without relying on human food involves offering them pet-specific goodies. Pet stores often stock holiday-themed treats formulated with safe ingredients for dogs and cats. Homemade options are also available; for instance, baking pumpkin-based treats using pure pumpkin puree (without added spices) can be both safe and enjoyable for dogs, as pumpkin is beneficial for their digestion. Additionally, consider interactive toys that dispense pet treats to keep them engaged and rewarded during the celebration. By choosing treats specifically designed for pets, it’s possible to include them in the festivities while ensuring their health and safety remain a priority.
What training could help prevent food-related issues during holidays?
Implementing obedience training can significantly reduce food-related issues during holidays. Teaching commands like ‘leave it,’ ‘stay,’ and ‘go to your spot’ helps keep dogs away from hazardous foods and prevents begging at the table. Consistent reinforcement of these commands ensures that pets understand boundaries, especially during gatherings when tempting foods are more accessible. Crate training or designating a specific area for the dog during meal times can also be effective. By practicing these training techniques regularly, pet owners can create a safer environment that minimizes the risk of their dogs ingesting harmful substances commonly found in holiday meals.
Happy Thanksgiving! Please contact us, your McHenry, IL pet hospital, for all of your dog’s veterinary care needs. Our veterinary diagnostics services are available to ensure your pet’s health and wellbeing throughout the holiday season and beyond.