Thanksgiving can be a fun time for family and friends to gather, and enjoy delicious foods. However, it can be a stressful time for your dog, with so many new faces in the house, a variety of yummy food, and lots of commotion. It’s important to make sure your dog is prepared for these changes. Check out these tips to ensure Thanksgiving goes smoothly for both you and your pet!

Review Commands

Now is the time to practice basic commands with your dog to prepare him for all the extra commotion during the holidays. Sit, stay and heal are all good commands to refresh with your dog before the guests arrive. The last thing you want is your dog to charge the front door and knock the pumpkin pie right out of someone’s hands!

Establish Safe Spot

Does your dog have a special place in your home that he goes when feeling overwhelmed or scared? If not, now is the perfect time to establish a spot for him to go when he needs a minute to regroup during all the chaos. Even the friendliest of dogs can become aggressive when he feels threatened by unfamiliar faces or other dogs. Be sure to discuss with your guests if they’ll be bringing their furry friends, and prepare accordingly.

Limit Begging

At Thanksgiving, it can be especially hard for your dog to control his begging. But with all the mouthwatering food in your house, can you blame him? You can try to help reduce the begging by making sure you feed your dog either right before, or during the serving process so he doesn’t feel deprived. You can also choose to keep your dog in a separate room during the meal so he won’t bother your guest for food.

No Dessert

We know, it can be hard to say no to the puppy eyes when you bring out the pies and other sweet treats. But remember, these goodies are not healthy for your dog and can pose health risks. Try making them their own “pet-friendly” dessert that they can enjoy with you.

Keep Trash out of Sight

Turkey carcasses that are left out or in a trash bin that could be easily opened can be quite dangerous to your pet. Dispose of the turkey carcass and bones in a tightly secured bag, and either take out immediately or leave behind a closed, locked door.