1. Including Your Dog in Thanksgiving Celebrations
Thanksgiving is a family holiday, and your dog is no exception. Here are some simple ways to involve your dog in the festivities without compromising their safety or well-being.
Share the Moment, Not the Table
Keep to a Routine
The excitement of the holiday can disrupt your dog’s routine, which might make them anxious or overstimulated. Keep mealtime and walks as consistent as possible.
- Stick to your dog’s regular feeding schedule.
- Take them on a walk before guests arrive to help them burn off extra energy.
- Make sure they have a quiet space to retreat to if the commotion becomes overwhelming.
Additional Hazards to Be Aware Of
Aside from food, there are a few other hazards that Thanksgiving can bring into your home that might harm your dog:
- Decorations: Some holiday decorations, such as candles, small ornaments, or floral arrangements, may seem harmless but can pose a choking or toxicity risk to dogs.
- Open Flames: Whether it’s a candlelit dinner or a cozy fire, keep open flames out of reach. Dogs can easily knock over candles or get too close to the fire.
2. Setting Boundaries with Guests
With guests arriving and leaving throughout the day, it’s important to set boundaries to ensure your dog stays safe and calm. Not all guests may know the best way to interact with dogs, especially if they don’t have pets themselves.
Communicate Expectations
Let your guests know in advance how to interact with your dog. This might include:
- Not feeding your dog any table scraps or food from their plate.
- Asking guests to avoid high-energy games that could overstimulate your dog.
- Encouraging them to give your dog space if they seem anxious or tired.
Protect the Exits
With the door constantly opening and closing, there’s a risk that your dog might slip out. Consider using baby gates to keep your dog away from the door or keeping them in a secure area during peak arrival times.
3. Keeping Your Dog Calm During the Festivities
Thanksgiving can be overwhelming for some dogs, especially if they’re not used to large gatherings or noisy environments. To help keep your dog calm during the holiday:
Create a Safe Space
Set up a quiet area where your dog can retreat when they need a break. This space could include:
- Their favorite bed or blanket.
- Toys that they can chew on or play with to self-soothe.
- White noise or calming music to drown out the noise of the festivities.
Use Calming Products
Consider using calming products like:
- Calming treats designed to reduce anxiety.
- Diffusers or sprays that release pheromones to help your dog relax.
- Anxiety wraps that apply gentle pressure to calm your dog.
Limit Overstimulation
If your dog is sensitive to overstimulation, try limiting their exposure to high-energy activities. Encourage calm behavior by:
- Taking breaks throughout the day to go on quiet walks.
- Offering puzzle toys to keep them mentally engaged without overwhelming them.
- Placing your dog in a quiet room with low lighting if they seem stressed.
4. Preventing Thanksgiving Day Hazards
With so much going on, it's easy for accidents to happen. Here are some common Thanksgiving hazards and how to prevent them:
- Trash: Thanksgiving trash is full of tempting (but harmful) leftovers. Make sure your trash is secured and out of your dog’s reach.
- Decorations: Avoid using decorations that could pose a choking hazard or be toxic if ingested.
- Candles: If you're using candles to set the mood, make sure they're placed out of reach of curious dogs.
5. Thanksgiving Travel Tips for Dog Owners
For many families, Thanksgiving includes traveling to see friends and relatives. If you're planning to bring your dog along for the holiday trip, make sure to take some extra steps to ensure their comfort and safety.
Prepare for the Road
If you’re taking a road trip, plan ahead for your dog’s needs:
- Frequent breaks: Dogs need to stretch their legs and take bathroom breaks just like humans. Plan for stops every couple of hours.
- Secure seating: Use a dog seatbelt or a crate to keep your dog secure in the car. This will keep them safe in case of sudden stops or turns.
- Pack the essentials: Bring along food, water, bowls, leashes, poop bags, and your dog’s bed or favorite blanket to make them feel comfortable in new surroundings.
Hotel or Guest House Prep
If you’re staying at a hotel or with family, make sure your dog is set up for success:
- Find dog-friendly accommodations: Not all hotels or homes are dog-friendly, so make sure to check ahead.
- Bring comfort items: Pack your dog’s favorite toys, bed, and anything that will make them feel more at home.
- Respect boundaries: Make sure your dog has a designated space where they can relax away from the holiday commotion.
Pre-Travel Vet Check
If your dog isn't accustomed to travel, consider taking them for a pre-trip vet check-up. This will ensure they’re healthy for the journey and may help you address any travel anxiety your dog might have.
6. Why Thanksgiving is the Perfect Time to Bring Home a New Puppy
Thanksgiving isn’t just about food and family — it’s also a time for gratitude and new beginnings. If you’ve been thinking about adding a new puppy to your family, there’s no better time than the holiday season. Here’s why:
A New Family Member For Which to Be Grateful
Welcoming a new puppy into your home during Thanksgiving gives everyone something new to be thankful for. It’s a time to bond as a family and create lasting memories with your new furry friend.
Time Off to Focus on Training and Bonding
With time off from work and school, Thanksgiving provides a great opportunity to focus on your new puppy’s training and getting them acclimated to their new environment. You’ll have the extra time to establish routines, build trust, and shower your puppy with love and attention.
A Puppy Brings Joy to Holiday Gatherings
Bringing home a puppy during the holiday season can brighten up the entire celebration. Whether it’s watching your family’s faces light up when they meet the puppy or experiencing the joy of your dog playing in the leaves outside, a puppy adds a new level of happiness to the Thanksgiving holiday.
Gift of Companionship
A puppy is not just a new pet; it’s the gift of companionship. Thanksgiving is about appreciating loved ones, and what better way to do that than by adding a loyal, loving dog to your family? Your new puppy will be there through thick and thin, offering joy and support throughout the holidays and beyond.
7. Choosing the Right Puppy from Healthy Pups
If you’re ready to bring home a new puppy this Thanksgiving, Healthy Pups is the perfect place to find your newest family member. At Healthy Pups, we specialize in raising happy, healthy puppies that are ready to become part of your family.
Why Choose Healthy Pups?
- Health Guarantee: All of our puppies come with a health guarantee, so you can feel confident that your new companion is off to a great start.
- Vet-Checked: Every puppy is vet-checked, vaccinated, and dewormed before going home with you.
- Great Selection of Breeds: We offer a wide variety of breeds to fit your family’s lifestyle and needs. Whether you're looking for a playful companion or a more laid-back pet, we can help you find the perfect match.
Popular Breeds Available
- Cavapoo: A charming mix of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Poodle, known for their friendly and affectionate nature.
- Havanese: A small, sturdy dog with a big heart, perfect for families with children.
- Shih Tzu: A lovable and loyal breed, perfect for families who want a companion that’s affectionate and easy-going.
Visit our Healthy Pups website to see available puppies and schedule a time to meet them. We’re here to help you find the perfect furry friend to share this Thanksgiving and many more to come.
Make This Thanksgiving Special with a Puppy from Healthy Pups
Thanksgiving is all about gratitude, family, and creating lasting memories. Why not make this holiday extra special by welcoming a new puppy into your home? Healthy Pups has a wide variety of adorable puppies ready to become part of your family.
With a new puppy by your side, you’ll have one more thing to be grateful for this holiday season. Visit Healthy Pups today and find your perfect companion to share in the joy of Thanksgiving! Contact us today with any questions you might have about a new healthy puppy.