Thanksgiving with Your Dog: Safety Tips, Guest Prep & Fun Ways to Include Your Pup

Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude, family, and of course, delicious food. For dog owners, it’s also a holiday filled with potential mischief — from a sneaky pup snagging turkey off the counter to nervous barking when guests arrive.

With a little preparation, your dog can be part of the celebration without stress (for them or you). In this guide, we’ll cover Thanksgiving dog safety, tips for preparing your pup for visitors, and fun ways to include them in the festivities.

1. Thanksgiving Foods That Are Dangerous for Dogs

It’s tempting to let your furry friend join in the feast, but many Thanksgiving staples can be harmful to dogs. According to PetMD’s guide to holiday foods dogs should never eat, here’s what to avoid:

• Turkey bones, skin, and gravy – Bones can splinter, and skin/gravy often contain fat, butter, and seasonings that cause digestive upset.

• Onions, garlic, and leeks – Can damage red blood cells and lead to anemia.

• Raisins and grapes – Even small amounts can cause kidney failure.

• Chocolate & xylitol – Both are toxic and potentially deadly.

• Rich, fatty foods – May trigger pancreatitis in dogs.

2. Safe Thanksgiving Treats for Dogs

Your dog doesn’t have to miss out entirely. We recommend a few safe options that can make your pup feel included:

• Plain turkey breast – No skin, bones, or seasoning.

• Fresh or steamed vegetables – Green beans, carrots, and broccoli.

• Plain pumpkin puree – Great for digestion, just avoid pumpkin pie filling with sugar and spices.

• Homemade dog-safe pumpkin bites – Combine pumpkin puree with oat flour and an egg, bake at 350°F until firm.

3. Preparing Your Dog for Thanksgiving Guests

Big gatherings can be exciting — and overwhelming — for dogs. A little preparation goes a long way.

• Practice calm greetings – Use positive reinforcement to reward sitting instead of jumping. See AKC’s polite greeting training tips.

• Set up a safe space – A crate, spare bedroom, or gated area with water, a bed, and toys.

• Communicate with guests – Let them know if your dog is shy, anxious, or not allowed certain foods.

• Supervise children and dogs together – Even the friendliest dog can get overwhelmed.

4. Fun Ways to Include Your Dog in Thanksgiving

A few festive touches can help your dog feel like part of the celebration:

• Dress them for the occasion – A Thanksgiving-themed bandana or cozy sweater.

• Plan a family walk – A great way to burn energy before guests arrive or after the big meal.

• Thanksgiving-themed toys – Puzzle feeders or plush toys shaped like pumpkins and turkeys.

• Dog-friendly dessert – Serve a small portion of their safe treat while humans enjoy pie.

5. Traveling with Your Dog for Thanksgiving

If you’re taking your dog to a relative’s house for the holiday:

• Secure them in the car – Use a seatbelt harness or crate for safety.

• Bring familiar items – Bed, toys, and blankets to help them feel at home.

• Plan potty breaks – Stop every few hours to let them stretch and relieve themselves.

• Check pet policies – If staying overnight, make sure dogs are welcome and discuss house rules in advance.

FAQ: Dogs & Thanksgiving

Q: Can my dog have turkey on Thanksgiving?
A: Yes, as long as it’s plain, cooked turkey breast without skin, bones, or seasoning.

Q: How do I keep my dog from begging at the table?
A: Feed them before the meal, offer a chew toy during dinner, and avoid reinforcing begging behavior by giving scraps.

Q: What’s the safest dessert for dogs on Thanksgiving?
A: A spoonful of plain pumpkin puree, apple slices (no seeds), or a small homemade pumpkin dog treat.

Final Thoughts

Thanksgiving can be a joyful time for both humans and dogs when safety and comfort come first. By avoiding dangerous foods, preparing your dog for guests, and finding ways to include them in the festivities, you can ensure your pup enjoys the holiday as much as you do.

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