Thanksgiving Safety Tips for Dogs: Keeping Your Pup Safe During the Feast

Ah, Thanksgiving. From crackling fireplaces to the smell of pumpkin pie and savory turkey, there’s a lot to love about this time of year. But this holiday can be risky for pets if you aren’t prepared. The team at The Bark Park Pet Resort & Daycare has gathered several tips for Thanksgiving dog safety to help you avoid Thanksgiving hazards for dogs.

3 Thanksgiving Dog Safety Tips

1. Avoid Feeding Fido Table Scraps

It’s tempting to let Fido join in on the Thanksgiving feast, especially if he’s eyeing the turkey, stuffing, and gravy with a longing eye. 

But many traditional dishes have ingredients that can be harmful to our canine companions. Foods like turkey skin, stuffing, and gravy are often seasoned with onions, garlic, and rich fats. 

To humans, these things sound delicious. But to pets, they can cause gastrointestinal upset or even pancreatitis. 

Stick to your dog’s regular diet—aside from making a few healthy Thanksgiving foods for dogs, like dehydrated sweet potato strips—and avoid feeding them table scraps, no matter how much they beg.

2. Beware of Bones

Bones and dogs go together like peanut butter and jelly…right? Wrong! Turkey bones, especially when cooked, are a serious hazard for dogs. These bones can splinter and cause choking, digestive blockages, or even internal injuries.

So keep an eye on those turkey bones and dispose of them somewhere your pup can’t reach. No matter how much your dog whines or sniffs at them, do not give in! Your pet’s health could depend on it.

If you want to share a little turkey with your dog, make sure it’s plain, boneless, and skinless.

3. Provide a Safe Space

Thanksgiving can be a busy and overwhelming time for dogs, with lots of guests, noise, and activities they’re not used to. If you’re hosting get-togethers at your home, set up a quiet, safe space where your dog can retreat to if they feel stressed.

Fill the space with fresh water, toys, and a cozy bed to relax in, and check on your pup frequently. 

Boarding Your Buddy

Headed out of town for Thanksgiving? The Bark Park Pet Resort & Daycare would love to host your pet for Thanksgiving! Or, if you just want Fido to burn off some steam during the holidays, our daycare would be a perfect fit. 

Call us today at (916) 459-3030 to book Fido’s spot or tour our beautiful boarding facility for yourself!