Thanksgiving is one of the warmest, busiest days of the year. Families gather, kitchens fill with amazing smells, and traditions come alive. But for dogs, all that excitement—and all that food—can bring unexpected risks.
Before we dive into holiday safety tips, let me share a true story that has stayed with me my whole life.
The Day Baroness Taught Me a Thanksgiving Lesson I’ll Never Forget
When I was a teenager, I saved every bit of my allowance to bring home my first dog—a gorgeous white German Shepherd named Baroness. She was gentle, steady, and everything I’d ever hoped a dog could be.
One Thanksgiving, the house was buzzing with family, cooking, and commotion. As we cleared plates and moved dishes around, Baroness wandered near the counter where a slice of ham sat cooling. She nudged it with her nose—just a curious little sniff—and in the blink of an eye, the ham slid off the counter.
As she instinctively tried to grab it, the ham bone became stuck in her lower jaw.
She froze. I didn’t.
I remember the fear that rushed through me: her eyes wide, her jaw stuck open, the bone wedged exactly the wrong way. We rushed her to the veterinarian, hearts pounding, praying everything would be okay.
Thankfully, the vet was able to remove the bone without injury—but the memory of how quickly a holiday moment turned into an emergency has stayed with me ever since.
It’s a lesson I now share with every pet parent I meet: holiday bones—ham, turkey, chicken—can be incredibly dangerous for dogs.
With Thanksgiving just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to make sure every pup stays safe, happy, and far from the emergency vet.
Thanksgiving Foods Dogs Should Avoid (and Why They’re Risky)
Holiday dishes may be tempting, but many are unsafe—or even toxic—for dogs.
Turkey & Ham Bones
Cooked bones splinter easily and can fracture teeth, lodge in the mouth (like with Baroness), or cause internal tearing.
Stuffing
Loaded with onions, garlic, rich oils, butter, and seasonings—many of which are toxic.
Onions, Garlic & Leeks
Even small amounts can damage red blood cells and cause anemia.
Grapes and Raisins
Common in salads and desserts—highly toxic and can trigger kidney failure.
Turkey Skin, Fat Trimmings & Gravy
These can cause pancreatitis, severe digestive upset, and painful inflammation.
Chocolate, Sugar-Free Desserts & Xylitol
Holiday treats can be deadly to dogs even in tiny amounts.
This is why keeping dogs out of the kitchen and away from counter edges is so important—and why offering safe alternatives is the best way to include them in the holiday fun.
Safe, Dog-Friendly Alternatives for a Peaceful Holiday Feast
While your family enjoys Thanksgiving dinner, keep your pup happy and busy with safer, dog-approved options.
A Stuffed Kong (Frozen or Fresh)
- Plain pumpkin
- Sweet potato purée
- Kibble mixed with warm broth
- A little banana
A frozen Kong can keep them happily occupied for 20–45 minutes.
A Thanksgiving Licky Mat
Spread on dog-safe favorites:
- Greek yogurt
- Pumpkin
- Smooth canned dog food
- Mashed banana
Licky mats soothe, calm, and distract dogs from the dinner table.
A Quiet Retreat Spot
Some dogs love the celebration. Others prefer a break.
Offer:
- A cozy bed
- A blanket
- A favorite chew toy
- A quiet corner away from guests
This gives them a safe place to reset if the excitement becomes overwhelming.
Set Your Pup Up for Success Before Guests Arrive
A little preparation goes a long way.
Take a Long Walk
Burns energy, lowers anxiety, and satisfies sniffing instincts.
Add Mental Enrichment
Puzzle feeders and scent games help dogs settle more easily during busy hours.
Consider Dog Daycare
If you’re hosting, prepping, or traveling, dog daycare is a perfect solution. A full day of play means a relaxed, tired, happy pup when you need it most.
Holiday Fun at Dogs On The Farm (Middletown, NJ)
If you need care during Thanksgiving week, we’re here to help your dog celebrate safely and joyfully.
Holiday Play Sessions
Supervised group fun that helps release energy before or during holiday events.
Seasonal Enrichment: November’s Scent Space
Our dog daycare guests can enjoy:
- Holiday-themed scent searches
- Puzzle challenges
- Sensory stations
- Seasonal enrichment experiences tailored to their needs
Dog-Safe Holiday Meals
We offer festive, pup-approved meals—no dangerous ingredients, just delicious fun.
Dog Boarding Suites
For families traveling, our boarding guests enjoy comfort, safety, themed enrichment, and plenty of attention—so you can enjoy your holiday knowing your dog is thriving.
A Thanksgiving Story With a Happy Ending
Just like Baroness, every dog deserves a safe, joyful Thanksgiving surrounded by people who love them. With a little preparation—and the right dog-safe alternatives—your pup can enjoy the holiday just as much as the rest of the family.
If you’d like help planning your dog’s holiday experience, we’re here for you at Dogs On The Farm with dog daycare, dog boarding, enrichment activities, and festive meals all season long.
