Thanksgiving can change the household routine long before dinner reaches the table. Doorbells, visitors and food preparation give pets plenty to notice. A little planning helps you make room for them without adding another complicated job.
Prepare their space before guests arrive
Set out water, their usual bedding and a quiet retreat away from the kitchen and front door. Let guests know whether your pet wants a greeting or would prefer some space. Keep cats’ food, litter and resting places accessible.
Use familiar food for a supervised activity
A LickiMat Playdate can hold a small portion of your dog’s familiar wet food. Prepare it in advance, then offer it when you can stay nearby. It’s an activity, not a guarantee that a worried dog will settle.
For a dog who already enjoys food puzzles, the Brightkins Pupstrami Surprise gives them a different way to search for a portion of food. Keep the difficulty manageable rather than introducing a challenging puzzle during a busy gathering.
For cats, a short play session with a familiar toy may be a better fit. Our cat supplies include options such as the Yeowww! Banana catnip toy; individual interest in catnip varies.
Keep dinner separate from pet snacks
Ask guests to leave feeding to you. Secure leftovers and trash, and keep bones, rich scraps, onion- or garlic-seasoned food, chocolate and xylitol-containing sweets out of reach. Stick with your pet’s normal diet, especially if they have a medical or dietary restriction.
Add one festive detail
A Fallelujah bow tie can be enough for a quick family photo if your dog is comfortable wearing it. Remove accessories if they bother your pet, and never let dressing up take priority over comfort.
Explore Fall Favorites for more autumn choices. For local dog-treat shoppers, our bakery treats are available for local pickup or eligible local delivery only, not shipping. Check the options at checkout.