Last Updated on October 27, 2025 by Lori Powell
Planning a safe Thanksgiving with your dog in Los Angeles is so important. Thanksgiving is a special time to gather with loved ones, share gratitude, and indulge in all the delicious food that makes the season so memorable. While it’s a day filled with family, friends, and festivities, it can also bring unexpected challenges for our four-legged family members. From tempting table scraps and unfamiliar guests to bustling kitchens and holiday décor, this time of year can be overwhelming for pets if the proper precautions aren’t taken.
That’s why with a bit of preparation and awareness, you can enjoy the holiday while keeping your pup relaxed, comfortable, and out of harm’s way. Whether you’re hosting a lively dinner party in your home or traveling across the city to visit family, following a few simple dog safety tips will help your holiday run smoothly.
Below, the experts at Pawsitive K9 Solutions share professional tips to help your dog stay calm, happy, and safe this Thanksgiving. From food hazards to festive chaos, here’s what every pet parent needs to know to avoid emergency vet visits and keep tails wagging through the holiday weekend.
Have A Safe Thanksgiving with Your Dog: Watch Out for Dangerous Holiday Foods
Thanksgiving dinner might be delicious for us, but many holiday staples can be dangerous or toxic to dogs.
- Turkey: Plain, fully cooked turkey meat (without skin or bones) in small amounts is usually fine. However, fatty turkey skin and cooked bones are dangerous. The skin can trigger pancreatitis, and bones can splinter, leading to choking or internal injury.
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Garlic and Onions: Common in stuffing, gravies, and seasoned dishes, these ingredients can cause anemia by damaging red blood cells. Even small amounts can be harmful over time.
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Chocolate and Desserts: Chocolate contains theobromine, which is toxic to dogs. Many baked goods also contain xylitol, a sugar substitute that can cause insulin spikes, seizures, liver failure, and even death.
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Alcohol: Wine, beer, and cocktails are highly toxic to pets. Even small amounts can cause vomiting, disorientation, seizures, or worse. Be sure to keep alcoholic drinks out of reach and clean up spills immediately.
If your dog ingests something harmful, contact your veterinarian or the Pet Poison Helpline at 855-764-7661 right away. Want help managing food begging behavior at the table? Check out Puppy Training Tips for Your New LA Family Member for practical guidance.
Have a Safe Thanksgiving with Your Dog in Los Angeles: Decorate with Pet Safety in Mind
Decorating for Thanksgiving adds warmth and charm to your home, but not all décor is safe for pets. Dogs may be tempted to chew or paw at items that could lead to choking or intestinal blockages.
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Keep candles, light-up pumpkins, and electric cords out of reach. Use cord covers or secure them with tape.
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Avoid fake fruits, plastic leaves, and garlands that could be mistaken for toys or snacks.
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Be cautious with houseplants and flowers; hydrangeas, chrysanthemums, and ferns can be toxic to dogs. See the ASPCA’s list of poisonous plants.
If your dog likes to investigate decorations, practice a strong “leave it” cue or set up supervised play areas. Need help reinforcing impulse control? Try our Top 4 Dog Impulse Control Exercises.
Have a Safe Thanksgiving with Your Dog in Los Angeles: Prepare Guests to Respect Your Dog’s Space
Thanksgiving often means a full house, but all those new faces and unfamiliar voices can be overwhelming for your dog.
Some dogs love guests and attention, while others feel anxious or protective. Be sure to let your guests know how to interact with your dog and create a retreat space where your pup can relax away from the crowd. This might be a quiet room with their crate, favorite toys, and a white noise machine to block out commotion.
If your dog tends to dart through open doors or jump on guests, keep them leashed or behind a gate during arrivals and departures. You can also train a reliable “stay” or “place” command to help manage door greetings.
Set Your Dog Up for a Safe and Stress-Free Thanksgiving
Celebrating a safe Thanksgiving with your dog in Los Angeles comes down to preparation, supervision, and awareness. By making a few dog-conscious adjustments to your holiday routine, you can keep your pup healthy and stress-free while still enjoying the festivities.
Whether your dog needs a refresher on polite greetings, food manners, or basic commands before the holidays, our team at Pawsitive K9 Solutions is here to help. We offer one-on-one private training, puppy day school, and customized programs tailored to your dog’s needs and lifestyle.
Contact us today to schedule a training consultation and help your dog have their happiest, safest Thanksgiving yet.
Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at Pawsitive K9 Solutions!
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