Keep your pup safe at Thanksgiving

How to Make Sure Your Dog Has a Wonderful Thanksgiving With the Family

Thanksgiving is all about family, gratitude, and togetherness — and for many of us, that includes our four-legged family members. At Wooferties, we want every pup to feel included, safe, and happy during the holiday festivities. Here are some simple ways to help your dog enjoy Thanksgiving right alongside you and your loved ones.

🏡 Create a Safe & Comfortable Space

With doors opening, guests arriving, and food in and out of the oven, Thanksgiving can be overwhelming for dogs — even the social ones.

Set up a quiet retreat where your pup can relax if things get too busy.This could be:

• A crate with a cozy blanket

• A bed tucked into a corner

• A quiet spare room

• A gated-off calm space

Add their favorite toy or treat so they associate the spot with comfort — not isolation.

🍗 Know Which Thanksgiving Foods Are Safe (and Unsafe)

We all want our dogs to enjoy the holiday flavors… but not everything on the table is pup-approved.

Safe treats (in moderation):

• Plain turkey (no skin, no bones, no seasoning)

• Green beans

• Carrots

• Plain pumpkin purée

• Sweet potatoes (plain, cooked)

Dangerous foods to avoid:

• Turkey skin & bones

• Stuffing (onions, garlic, seasoning)

• Grapes or raisins

• Fat trimmings

• Chocolate desserts

• Mac & cheese or creamy casseroles

• Pies with spices or sugar substitutes (like xylitol)

If you want your dog to join the feast, make them their own plate of dog-safe foods so they won’t be tempted to steal from the table.

👧👦 Prep Your Guests (Especially Kids)

Some guests love dogs — others may be nervous. And kids sometimes forget how to interact safely.

Before dinner begins, give a quick, friendly reminder:

• Don’t offer table scraps

• Don’t chase or pick up the dog

• Let the dog approach on their own

• No touching when the dog is eating or sleeping

A little structure goes a long way toward a stress-free day.

🚪 Watch the Front Door

Thanksgiving = constant comings and goings.

If your dog is quick to bolt (or just curious), have a plan for the busy door:

• Use a leash during high-traffic times

• Place a baby gate near the entryway

• Put their safe space away from the door

This keeps everyone safe and prevents accidental escapes.

🐕 Give Your Dog Something Fun to Do

A busy dog is a happy dog — especially during long celebrations.

Try:

• A long-lasting chew

• A frozen Kong

• A puzzle toy

• A new squeaker or rope

• A walk before guests arrive to burn some energy

A tired, stimulated dog is more relaxed around the hustle and bustle.

❤️ Include Your Dog in the Celebration

The holidays are meant to be joyful! Let your dog be part of the memories:

• Snap a Thanksgiving family photo with your pup

• Let them “help” greet guests

• Give them a special holiday bandana

• Let them hang out during dessert and conversation

Dogs love being part of the family — and the more included they feel, the calmer and happier they’ll be.

🧡 From All of Us at Wooferties…

We’re thankful for every pup that walks through our doors and every family that trusts us with their care. We hope your Thanksgiving is full of warmth, laughter, and lots of tail wags.

If your dog needs daycare, boarding, or grooming around the holidays, we’ve got you covered. Just give us a call — we’d love to make their season special too.