How to Include Your Pet in Thanksgiving Celebrations
- Deniza Marcinkevica
- Nov 4
- 3 min read
By Taquera Woodson, Social Media Intern and Deniza Marcinkevica, Manager Business Development, Skytails.com
Thanksgiving is a time to gather with loved ones, share delicious food and include your pet and family members too. Your pet can feel the love and joy of the season with adding thoughtful touches to include your pet in a safe and meaningful way.
Ways to Include Your Pet in Thanksgiving
Make a Pet-Friendly Feast
One of the best things about Thanksgiving is the food. You can make your pet a pet-safe Thanksgiving food to enjoy.
Turkey: Offer a small serving of plain, cooked turkey breast, no skin, bones, or seasoning. The lean protein is great for both dogs and cats.
Sweet Potatoes: A spoonful of plain, mashed sweet potatoes, no butter, no sugar, or marshmallows. Sweet potatoes provide healthy fiber and vitamins.
Green Beans or Carrots: Steamed veggies make great low-calorie snacks for dogs. Cats might like it too.
Pumpkin Puree: A tablespoon of plain, canned pumpkin can soothe digestion and is loved by cats.
Dress Them Up for the Holiday Spirit
If your pet enjoys wearing clothes and accessories, Thanksgiving is a great time to show off festive outfits. A cozy sweater, a plaid bandana, or cute turkey-print bowtie. Remember to make sure clothes are comfortable. Choose fabrics that are breathable and make sure the outfit does not restrict movement, sight, or breathings. Be on the lookout for body language. If your pet looks uncomfortable or starts pawing at their clothes, you should remove them.
Make Your Home Pet-Friendly for Guests
Thanksgiving means more people in the house and that often can overwhelm some pets. Whether you are hosting or visiting you should plan ahead to make sure your pet feel safe and secure.
Create a Safe Zone: Set up a quiet room or corner with their bed, favorite toys and water bowl where they can go when things get too lively.
Remind Guests: Politely ask visitors not to feed your table scraps, even the smallest bit of stuffing or gravy can upset their stomach.
Child-Friendly Interactions: If kids are visiting, teach them to approach pets calmly and gently.
Include Them in Family Traditions
Thanksgiving is about connection and pets love to be part of that. You and your pet can enjoy traditions in fun and meaningful ways.
Post-Dinner Walks: Connect better with your pet by walking around the community after dinner.
Playtime: If your pet doesn’t like crowds, spend some quiet time playing fetch, tug-of-war, or using interactive toys.
Movie Time: Curl up with your cat or dog for a Thanksgiving movie night. Add a blanket, some treats, and snuggles.
Capture and Celebrate the Memories
Thanksgiving memories are meant to be cherished, and your pet is a part of those moments. Take family photos that include them, record a few clips of funny reactions. Consider creating a Thanksgiving scrapbook to share with your furry friend.
Conclusion
Thanksgiving isn’t just about the food, it’s about family. And our pets, with their boundless love and loyalty, are a big part of that. Including them in your celebration is more than a fun idea. It’s a reminder that home feels fuller, warmer, and happier when shared with them.
SkyTails Connection
As the holidays approach, remember that celebrating your pet doesn’t have to mean overspending, it's about thoughtful choices that make them happy. Planning ahead helps you stay stress-free and focused on spending more time. SkyTails helps pet parents make smart financial decisions all year long. By opening a dedicated pet savings account, you’re building financial security for all your pet's needs.
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