Hosting Thanksgiving dinner - with pets!
Hosting Thanksgiving dinner while being a pet owner presents unique challenges. You may be worried about your dog Roxie snatching the turkey off the counter before it's served, or if your cat Phoebe will cause allergic Uncle Bob to endure a meal-long sneezing fit. Fortunately, we've compiled our top 5 Thanksgiving dinner tips for your pets, so you can focus on planning your menu and enjoying the holiday with your loved ones, including the furry ones!
Train your dog to resist table begging. While it may not be feasible to completely retrain your dog in time for Thanksgiving, you can take steps to discourage table begging. Make sure that everyone in your household refrains from feeding your dog from the table. It's important to remain firm and not yield to whining or barking. Encouraging alternative behaviors, such as providing your dog with a new chew toy, can be highly effective while everyone enjoys their meal.
Steer clear of these harmful foods for your pets. If you find it difficult to resist your pet's pleading gaze under the table, be aware that certain foods can be harmful to them. Rich or fatty foods can lead to pancreatitis or upset stomach, while onions, garlic, and some spices are actually toxic to animals.
Keep cats and dogs away from your countertops. Although you might not mind your cat freely exploring the kitchen, your guests may have different preferences. Preventing your cat or dog from accessing the countertops is crucial. Don't leave food unattended, and try to keep pets away from the kitchen and dining area. When guests offer to help with cleanup and food storage, accept their assistance to prevent leftovers from being left out.
Make sure your guests, especially children, know how to interact with pets safely. When hosting Thanksgiving, it's likely that your pet will encounter unfamiliar faces. Make sure your guests, especially children, understand how to interact safely with your dog or cat. Encourage introductions in a spacious area, respect your pet's personal space, and advise against picking up your pet. If you anticipate that your pet might be uncomfortable with a large crowd, it's best to keep them in a separate area away from guests or provide them with an easily accessible escape route.
Minimize pet allergens in your home to accommodate allergic guests. While it's impossible to eliminate all pet allergens from your home, there are steps you can take to make allergic guests more comfortable. Give your pet a bath using a mild pet shampoo, thoroughly clean your house, and utilize plug-in air filters. However, it's also wise to be prepared and keep over-the-counter allergy medications on hand for guests, just in case.
Most importantly, relax and enjoy!