The Do’s and Don’ts of Thanksgiving for Pets — Especially Your Dog

Holiday Safety Tips Brought to You by Petland

Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude, family, friends, and of course delicious food. As you prepare your home for the festivities, it’s important to remember that your pets are celebrating right along with you. With all the tempting smells, bustling activity, and visiting guests, both dogs and other pets need a little extra attention to stay safe and comfortable.

At Petland, we’re committed to helping families enjoy the holidays while keeping their furry friends healthy and happy. Here’s your guide to the essential Thanksgiving Do’s and Don’ts for Pets, with a special focus on dogs.

DO offer safe, pet-friendly treats.

Thanksgiving flavors aren’t off the table for your pet, but you need to choose safely. Most dogs may enjoy small portions of:

• Plain, unseasoned turkey (no skin or bones)
• Steamed veggies like green beans, carrots, or pumpkin
• Dog-friendly treats designed for holiday chewing

Petland carries a variety of digestible chews, pumpkin snacks, and themed treats perfect for including your dog in the celebration without the risks.

DO create a calm space for your pet.

With guests coming and going, your dog or cat may feel overstimulated. Set up a quiet retreat with:

• Their bed or crate
• Toys or calming chews
• Fresh water

This helps to reduce anxiety and keeps your pet out of harm’s way while you entertain.

DO keep routines in place.

Your dog depends on predictable patterns.

• Keep regular pet mealtimes
• Ensure they get their usual exercise
• Maintain potty-break schedules

A quick walk before dinner helps burn energy and minimizes begging at the table.

DO supervise interactions with guests.

Children and visitors may not understand pet boundaries.
Gently remind your guests:

• Not to feed table scraps
• How to properly approach your dog
• To keep doors closed so pets don’t slip out

If you need crates, gates, or calming aids, Petland Pet Counselors can recommend the right solutions.

Thanksgiving DON’Ts for Pets

DON’T give turkey bones or skin.

Turkey bones splinter easily and can cause choking or internal injuries. The skin is high in fat and may trigger pancreatitis, a dangerous condition for dogs. Stick to plain, boneless, unseasoned meat in small portions only.

DON’T share toxic foods.

The holiday table is full of ingredients that are harmful—even deadly—to pets. Keep these far away:

• Onions, garlic, leeks, and chives
• Grapes and raisins
• Chocolate and desserts containing Xylitol, a sugar substitute found in sugar-free products like candy, gum, some baked goods and mints
• Alcohol
• Yeast dough
• Rich gravies or buttery dishes

If you want your pet to enjoy a special plate, Petland has Thanksgiving-themed dog treats that look festive without any danger.

DON’T let pets near the trash.

The post-dinner trash is a minefield of bones, fat drippings, food packaging, and string used to tie the turkey – none of which belong in your pet’s stomach.
Use a secure trash can or take the bag outside immediately.

DON’T skip ID tags and microchip checks.

With people coming in and out, pets can slip through open doors. Make sure:

• ID tags are updated
• Microchips are registered and correct
• Dogs wear collars during gatherings

Petland offers ID tag engraving and micro-chipping services if you need to update yours before the holidays.

Thanksgiving is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the love and companionship pets bring to our lives. With a little preparation and awareness, you can enjoy a safe, joyful holiday with your furry family members by your side.

If you need healthy treats, durable toys, calming aids, grooming essentials, or expert holiday advice, your local Petland is here to help. Stop by before the big feast. We’re always happy to help you make the holiday pet-friendly and stress-free