Thanksgiving is a time of joy and celebration, a time to be thankful for everything that we hold dear in our lives. However, as much as we love having family and friends over for Thanksgiving dinner, our furry friends may not share our enthusiasm. Pets might find the festivities stressful due to the increased number of unfamiliar visitors and changes in routine. In addition, pets can be at risk of consuming harmful foods from the Thanksgiving feast. In this article, we'll provide you with tips on how to prepare your pets for Thanksgiving guests and how to politely tell your guests not to feed your pets from the Thanksgiving feast.

Tips and Other Helpful Suggestions

  1. Introduce your pets to your guests Before the big day, introduce your pets to your guests gradually, in a calm and controlled manner. You can start by inviting a few guests over at a time, and slowly build up to the actual day. This will allow your pets to become familiar with new faces and scents, making them feel more relaxed and comfortable around them when the actual day arrives. If a pre-Thanksgiving greeting is not an option, try to control the flow of people through the front door to properly introduce your dog to them at a manageable pace. It is also beneficial to inform your guests in advance if your pet has any unpleasant habits, such as jumping or barking. By doing so, your guests will feel more at ease upon arrival, and it will help prevent any unnecessary stress that your dog might sense.

  2. Create a comfortable space for your pets. Your pets need a private and secure space to retreat to when they feel overwhelmed or anxious. Ensure that your pets have access to their beds, toys, and litter boxes, and that their space is located away from the commotion of the guests. You can also provide them with calming aids such as catnip or a CBD, to help ease their anxiety. At Braxton's we highly recommend Super Snouts CBD Chill Out calming treats. It is crucial to consider that when using CBD or other anxiety supplements, administering them prior to the escalation of stress levels is essential. It is far more challenging to calm down from heightened stress levels than to prevent the rise in the first instance.

  3. Keep an eye on your pets. Despite our best efforts, there's still a chance that our pets may become stressed or anxious during the festivities. Watch out for signs of distress such as excessive panting, trembling, or hiding, and remove them from the situation if necessary. It's also important to ensure that your pets don't accidentally escape through an open door or gate during the chaos.

  4. Discuss feeding rules with your guests. It's important to ensure that all your guests are aware of the feeding rules for your pets. Politely make it clear that your pets are not allowed to eat any food from the Thanksgiving feast, as it may contain harmful ingredients such as onions, brittle bones, garlic, and chocolate. Inform your guests that your pets are on a strict diet and that feeding them scraps can lead to digestive upset or even worse, a trip to the vet.

  5. Provide safe food options for pets. Some Thanksgiving foods can be safely shared with your pets in moderation. Some examples include cooked turkey meat without skin or bones, plain pumpkin, green beans, and cooked sweet potatoes or carrots. It's important to note that these foods should only be given to pets in small amounts and should be introduced slowly to avoid any digestive upset. Looking for a fun way to include Thanksgiving in your pet's meal and celebrate together? Add some festive ingredients to their bowl, like the ones available at Braxton's, shown in the pictures below.

Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, and celebrating all that we have to be thankful for. However, it's important to remember that our furry friends might not share our enthusiasm for the festivities. By following these tips, you can prepare your pets for Thanksgiving guests and ensure that everyone has a safe and happy holiday. Remember to be clear with your guests about the feeding rules for your pets, and provide them with safe food options if necessary. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your furry friends!