Safe Ways to Include Your Pet This Thanksgiving

For humans, the holidays can be a heartwarming time of year. However, as your friends at Schertz Animal Hospital point out, turkey time can present food safety dangers along with other safety concerns for pets.

This can be disappointing when so many of us have pawed and whiskered family members we don’t want to leave out. But, don’t despair. The holidays do offer us a chance to come up with some new traditions that are creative, pet-friendly, and oh so fun.

Here are some unique ideas we’ve compiled to involve your pet in this year’s festivities without putting him or her at risk.

It’s Thanksgiving…for Pets!

When you make a list of all you have to be grateful for, does your pet top the list like ours? It’s no doubt that animal companions give us lots of love, devotion, and simple happiness every day.

So when the meaning of this holiday hits home, consider trying some of these pet-oriented traditions to complement your usual Thanksgiving plans.

• Create a pet-centered gathering the day before or the morning of Thanksgiving. Spend some time enjoying healthy snacks and socialization in the den or backyard.
• Challenge your family members to come up with the most delicious new dog or cat treat recipes using wholesome ingredients. We’re sure your furriest pals won’t mind taste testing!
• Organize an early Secret Santa gift exchange between pet owners, giving everyone plenty of time for DIY handmade gift creations.
• Are you a sports lover? How about hosting a football game with other sports loving dog owners and their pets? Ultimate Frisbee and team marathons are also great activities for high-energy dogs – and just in time for cooler weather!
• Put together your own Macy’s, er, PET Thanksgiving Day Parade for the neighborhood. And don’t be stingy with the pictures and videos – we’d LOVE to share them on our page!
• Gather your crafty friends and have a donation based sew-off, creating much-needed items like sweaters, toys, beds, and blankets for shelter pets.
• Get your kids involved in some charitable work by hosting a dog and cat food drive in your community. Then donate the food to a shelter or rescue of your choice on Thanksgiving Day.
• Make your own backyard scavenger hunt for dog family members using little homemade pumpkin biscuits hidden throughout the home or yard.
• Visit another fur-loving friend who would otherwise spend the holiday alone. Take your four-legged to cheer him or her up.
• Before feasting on pet-appropriate treats or regular meals, don’t forget to exercise! Organize a dog walk or hike to include all your canine family friends.

Other Ways to Include Your Pet

One of the best traditions is simply spending quality time together on this day of thanks. Your pet will surely appreciate a few hours of brushing, petting, and exercise to make him or her feel completely included in the holiday.

At Schertz Animal Hospital, we’re thankful for every family and their adorable pets.  From all of us, we wish everyone a very happy Thanksgiving!