Thanksgiving is a time to gather with loved ones and express your gratitude for them. As a pet owner, that surely includes your dog! Fortunately, your dog already knows how much you care, because you express it everyday just by meeting their needs. In return, you have your dog’s unwavering loyalty and love. During the holidays, it’s important to be extra cautious with your dog, because your attention is being pulled in many different directions. From bringing a DIY Dog Fence to your relative’s house, to making sure the turkey bones aren’t accessible, here are some things you can do to keep your dog safe on Thanksgiving.

Don’t Let Your Dog in the Kitchen

The kitchen is the most hectic place in the house on Thanksgiving. Usually, if you’re not helping, you’re banished to another part of the house, because extra people just get in the way. Well, the same should go for your dog. A baby gate or an indoor wireless dog Fence can be used to stop your dog from entering the kitchen. The Invisible Dog Fence barrier is a good option because you don’t have to worry about stepping over or opening it. If necessary, put your dog in a closed room or their crate. Keeping your dog out will protect them and everyone else from the potentially serious accidents that can occur in a crowded kitchen.

Be Cautious with Table Scraps

It’s perhaps the best meal of the year, so naturally your dog will want to enjoy some of your Thanksgiving feast, too. However, the safest thing you can do is not feed your dog any of your supper, especially if it’s a food they’ve never eaten before. Turkey skin is particularly dangerous to dogs, because it can cause pancreatitis. Turkey bones are also dangerous, because they can pierce your dog’s throat, stomach, or intestines. Foods like nuts, raisins, grapes can result in choking. Onions are bad for dogs, and chocolate and xylitol are toxic. If you want your dog to enjoy something special, consider purchasing new dog treats instead of giving them table food.

Look Out for Hazards When Traveling

If you and your dog are visiting friends or relatives this Thanksgiving, be on the lookout for potential hazards in homes that aren’t dog-proof. Medications, cleaning supplies, fertilizer, and other chemicals could be within reach. If your relatives don’t have a traditional around their yard, make sure you walk your dog on a leash or consider bringing your own portable wired dog fence with you. In fact, it’s best to supervise your dog as much as possible in new places. When in the car, make sure your dog is secured inside a crate or with a doggie seat belt.

Keep Your Dog’s Environment Secure

There are other environmental concerns to take into consideration around the holidays. When decorating, make sure you don’t place any lit candles where your dog could bump into them. Corn stalks and pumpkins are popular and festive decor, but they shouldn’t be in reach of dogs. Your dog might think the corn or pumpkins smell great, but eating them can cause stomach issues ranging from a simple belly ache to a serious intestinal blockage. If your dog enjoys chewing cords, make sure you hide the wires to any light up decorations.

Ensure Your Relatives are Careful, Too

It’s a good idea to share these tips with anyone who is sharing the holidays with you and your dog. It’s easy to get distracted during Thanksgiving meal prep and celebrations, so having a few extra sets of eyes on your dog is a good idea. Make sure your relatives know not to feed your dog any scraps from their plates, and ask them to let you know if they see your dog eating anything that isn’t from their own food bowl. If young children are present, remind them that they shouldn’t try to hug or kiss dogs. If guests are staying over, ask them to keep their luggage closed and out-of-reach, especially if their bags contain medications, candy, or food items.

Watch for Signs Your Dog is Stressed

Anyone can get a little stressed out during the holiday festivities, and that includes your dog. In fact, dogs are particularly prone to getting stressed out by being around lots of people and noise, especially if they aren’t used to it. Watch your dog for signs that they’re stressed out, which might include things like growling, panting, jumping, hiding, staring, shaking, freezing up, raised fur, and showing the whites of their eyes. If your dog is upset, take them to a quiet place with toys, food, and water. You can create a “safe zone” in a closed room or with an electric dog fence. If you notice any signs of sickness, phone your vet’s office.

While many of these tips seem like common sense, it’s easy to overlook simple ways of keeping your dog safe when you’re preoccupied with so many other things. As long as you take proper precautions, you’ll be free to enjoy Thanksgiving without worrying about your dog’s health, happiness, or safety. Just be sure to give your dog a little extra TLC. After all, they’re a very important member of the family, too! Happy Thanksgiving!

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