Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and if your calendar is starting to fill up, you're not alone! Between grocery shopping, meal planning, houseguests, and trying to remember where you put the serving platter last year, the holiday season can get busy in a hurry.
But while we're preparing for family and friends, our dogs are adjusting to the changes, too. More people coming and going, unfamiliar voices, tempting food smells, and a different daily routine can make the holiday exciting for some dogs and a little overwhelming for others.
The good news? A little planning can help make Thanksgiving more comfortable for everyone, including the four-legged members of the family.
Keep a Little Routine in the Holiday Rush
Dogs often appreciate familiar routines. When our schedules change, keeping a few everyday habits in place can help them know what to expect.
Try to maintain your dog's usual feeding times, potty breaks, and opportunities for exercise as much as possible. Even if your day looks different, making time for those familiar activities gives your dog something consistent to count on.
Don't worry if your usual routine isn't possible every single day. A shorter walk, a little playtime, or a few minutes of training can still be a worthwhile part of your dog's day.
The goal isn't perfection. It's finding small ways to keep your dog included while everything else is happening.
Make Time for Movement Before the Guests Arrive
Imagine spending the day at home while everyone around you is busy preparing for company. You hear the doorbell, people arrive, and suddenly your quiet house is full of activity!
For dogs who enjoy movement and play, making time for exercise before guests arrive can be a helpful way to start the day. A walk, a favorite game, or a trainer-guided exercise session gives your dog an opportunity to move, explore, and enjoy some individual attention before the holiday bustle begins.
Of course, exercise isn't a guarantee that your dog will settle down when the doorbell rings. Every dog is different, and some need extra time and space to feel comfortable around visitors.
Think of exercise as one piece of the holiday preparation, alongside a familiar routine, patient introductions, and a comfortable place to relax.
Give Your Dog a Place to Take a Break
Not every dog wants to be part of every conversation, family photo, or gathering around the dinner table. And that's perfectly okay!
Set up a quiet, comfortable spot where your dog can retreat when the house gets busy. This might be a favorite bed in a quieter room, a familiar crate if your dog enjoys it, or a gated area away from the main gathering.
Make sure your dog has access to fresh water and a comfortable place to rest. A favorite toy or an appropriate chew can provide something familiar to enjoy.
Let your guests know that when your dog heads to their quiet space, it's time to give them a break. Children should always be supervised around dogs and taught to respect their space, especially when they're resting or eating.
A little breathing room can make a big difference for dogs who find a house full of visitors overwhelming.
A Little Thanksgiving Safety Goes a Long Way
We know how tempting it can be to share a little something from the holiday table when those puppy-dog eyes appear. But some Thanksgiving favorites aren't safe for our dogs.
Keep these simple reminders in mind:
Skip the table scraps. Rich, fatty foods and unfamiliar treats can upset your dog's stomach. Ask guests not to feed your dog without checking with you first.
Keep dangerous foods out of reach. Chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, and foods containing xylitol can be harmful to dogs.
Be mindful of bones. Cooked turkey bones can splinter and cause serious injuries. Keep plates and food waste somewhere your dog can't reach.
Watch the doors. With guests arriving and leaving, make sure your dog can't slip outside unnoticed.
Secure bags and medications. Visitors may bring purses, backpacks, or medications that curious noses can investigate.
For more holiday pet safety guidance, the ASPCA's holiday hosting tips offer helpful reminders for keeping pets safe when company comes over.
When Your Schedule Gets Busy, We've Got Your Dog's Exercise Covered
At Bend Barks & Rec, we know life doesn't slow down just because our dogs still need their daily activity. Between work, family commitments, holiday preparations, and shorter daylight hours, finding time for everything can be a challenge.
That's why our mobile dog gym brings the workout to you.
Your dog can enjoy a personalized, trainer-guided 30-minute run or walk inside our parked, climate-controlled van at your home or workplace. There's no extra drive across town, and your dog never travels anywhere in the van.
Each session is tailored to your dog, with encouragement from our trainer and time to move at a comfortable pace. It's another way to make exercise part of your routine, even when your calendar is full.
Whether you need a little help fitting in exercise before the holiday or want to establish a more consistent routine as winter approaches, we're here to help.
This Thanksgiving, Make Room for the Little Things
The holidays don't have to be perfectly planned to be meaningful. Sometimes the best moments happen when we step away from the kitchen, put down the to-do list, and spend a few minutes with the dogs who make our houses feel like home.
A little exercise, a familiar routine, a safe place to rest, and some extra one-on-one attention can go a long way toward helping your dog feel included in the holiday.
And if your Thanksgiving plans get a little messy? That's okay, too. Your dog isn't keeping score.
From our family at Bend Barks & Rec to yours, we wish you and your four-legged companions a happy, safe, tail-wagging Thanksgiving.
🐾 Bend Barks Tip: Before the holiday guests arrive, give your dog some individual attention, prepare their quiet space, and let visitors know your house rules for treats and greetings. A little preparation now can help everyone enjoy the day.
It's always a good day for a walk!
Bend Barks & Rec
IN EVERY SEASON. IN ANY LOCATION.
RUN READY!