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Entry 162Filed under Breeding

Hosting Thanksgiving This Year? Why Not Host a Furry Houseguest, Too?

Keep your dog or cat comfortable and safe at Thanksgiving with a quiet retreat, careful food and trash control, and a clear plan for suspected exposure.
3-minute read By Animalso Team

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Yes—your dog or cat can share the holiday, as long as the plan puts their normal routine and safety first. Keep people food, medication, decorations and trash out of reach, and give your pet a quiet place to retreat when the house gets busy.

Before guests arrive, set up a safe retreat

Extra visitors and activity can overwhelm some pets. Choose a quiet bedroom or another comfortable spot your pet can reach, and make it inviting with familiar bedding or blankets. Let your pet use that space freely; it is a retreat, not a punishment.

Give guests a heads-up to keep purses, medication and other personal items where pets cannot get to them. Check plants and floral arrangements against the ASPCA toxic and non-toxic plant list, and keep decorations away from curious paws and mouths. If you cannot supervise your pet around the kitchen, dining table or trash, use a barrier or the retreat space to prevent access.

Can my dog have turkey?

Your pet’s usual food is the safest default. If you decide to offer a small bite, ASPCA says: “If you do decide to feed your pet a small bite of turkey or other meat, make sure it’s boneless and fully cooked.” Raw or undercooked poultry can carry Salmonella, and bones can choke a pet.

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#1 Best Overall
Midwest 42-Inch Single Door iCrate, for Large Breeds, 71-90 lbs
  • IDEAL FOR 71-90 LB DOGS: Measures 42.5 x 28.5 x 30.5 inches - perfect for Australian Shepherds, Boxers, Golden Retrievers & similar breeds. For dogs near 90 lbs, consider sizing up to our 48-inch model so they have plenty of room to get comfortable.
  • WE DON'T CUT CORNERS, WE PERFECT THEM: Precision welding, rounded corner clips & slide-bolt latch with Paw Block mitigate snags, cuts & escapes. With rigorous safety testing, iCrate provides peace of mind knowing your dog is safe while you're away.
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  • LIFE GOES BETTER WITH PETS: A family-owned business based in Indiana, MidWest Homes for Pets brings over 100 years of pet product expertise and a commitment to quality, rigorous safety testing, and excellent US-based customer service.

Do not share seasoned turkey or gravy: onion and garlic can be toxic, and bouillon cubes used in stocks or gravy contain high sodium. Keep rich scraps such as turkey skin away, too. The FDA warns that high-fat foods can upset a pet’s stomach and may cause life-threatening pancreatitis.

Keep holiday hazards out of reach

Ask guests not to feed scraps casually, and make sure food, drinks and cooking ingredients stay inaccessible. A dish is not automatically safe just because its main ingredient is a vegetable; seasonings and other ingredients matter.

Rank #2
Midwest 30-Inch Single Door iCrate, for Medium Breeds, 21-40 lbs
  • IDEAL FOR 21-40 LB DOGS: Measures 30.5 x 19.25 x 21.5 inches - perfect for French Bulldogs, Welsh Terriers, Dachshunds & similar breeds. For dogs near 40 lbs, consider sizing up to our 36-inch model so they have plenty of room to get comfortable.
  • WE DON'T CUT CORNERS, WE PERFECT THEM: Precision welding, rounded corner clips & slide-bolt latch with Paw Block mitigate snags, cuts & escapes. With rigorous safety testing, iCrate provides peace of mind knowing your dog is safe while you're away.
  • DURABLE CONSTRUCTION: Sturdy metal wire design with a protective black e-coat finish, the iCrate resists rust and everyday wear. Complete with leak-proof tray, rubber feet, carry handle, and tool-free assembly, it's ready for years of use.
  • SUPPORTS CRATE TRAINING: A divider panel lets the crate grow with your dog, from puppy kennel to full-size crate. Large openings and low thresholds ease the crate training process and help your dog feel more at home.
  • LIFE GOES BETTER WITH PETS: A family-owned business based in Indiana, MidWest Homes for Pets brings over 100 years of pet product expertise and a commitment to quality, rigorous safety testing, and excellent US-based customer service.
  • Cooking and table food: Keep onion, garlic, bouillon-heavy foods, high-fat scraps and bones away from pets.
  • Dough and desserts: Raw yeast dough, chocolate and desserts containing xylitol are hazardous.
  • Drinks: Keep alcohol out of reach.
  • Decor and waste: Secure decorations and garbage so pets cannot reach food scraps or bones. The FDA also flags risks from items such as ribbons or string, salt-dough ornaments and snack bags when they are present in the home.

The FDA warns that bones can lodge in the throat or digestive tract and cause injury. After the meal, put leftovers away and secure the trash rather than leaving a turkey carcass or scraps where an animal can reach them.

Help your pet settle while you eat

If it suits your pet, you can put some of their usual treats in a puzzle toy to give them an activity during dinner. ASPCA suggests this as an occupation aid; it is not a substitute for supervision or keeping hazards inaccessible. Use treats your pet already tolerates and avoid giving too many. The FDA warns that dogs who gobble treats can choke or develop an obstruction.

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Rank #3
FDW | 30" Foldable Metal Dog Crate | Black | Cage for Medium Dogs
  • 【Durable Construction】Our dog crate is made of sturdy, rust-resistant metal wire, making it durable and able to handle energetic puppies. Its durable design makes it resistant to deterioration, giving it a dependable option for extended usage.Dog cage dog crate dog kennel
  • 【Leak-Proof Plastic Tray】This dog crate features a detachable, leak-proof plastic tray that runs the length of the crate, making cleanup simple in the event of an accident. For dog dishes that won't slip, look for a textured surface.Dog cage dog crate dog kennel
  • 【Double Door Convenience】There are two ways to enter our dog crate: the front entrance and the side door. Numerous ways to enter and exit this dog kennel are available. When putting the crate in confined areas where a front door can be blocked or for anxious dogs who might prefer a side entry, this is really useful.Dog cage dog crate dog kennel
  • 【Easy To Set Up】Any dog lover should own one of these crates. You don't want to be spending a lot of time while on vacation, therefore it's crucial that our puppy playpen is easy to put together and take down. Metal dog cage canine kennel with handle for dogs.Dog cage dog crate dog kennel
  • 【After-Sale Service】Please feel free to contact our customer service if you have any questions or have any issues with the dog crate while using it. We guarantee that you will receive the finest solution and the most expert technical assistance. Dog cage dog crate dog kennel

A puzzle toy is optional. A familiar quiet spot may be the better choice for a pet that prefers space or finds visitors stressful.

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What to do if your pet may have eaten something hazardous

Contact your veterinarian or ASPCA Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 immediately if you suspect your pet has swallowed a hazardous food or household item. Do not wait for symptoms to appear. For suspected chocolate or xylitol exposure, prompt veterinary advice is especially important.

Rank #4
Sale
Midwest 36-Inch Double Door iCrate, for Medium-Large Breeds, 41-70 lbs
  • IDEAL FOR 41-70 LB DOGS: Measures 36.5 x 23.25 x 24.75 inches - perfect for Bulldogs, Beagles, Whippets & similar breeds. For dogs near 70 lbs, consider sizing up to our 42-inch model so they have plenty of room to get comfortable.
  • WE DON'T CUT CORNERS, WE PERFECT THEM: Precision welding, rounded corner clips & slide-bolt latches with Paw Block mitigate snags, cuts & escapes. With rigorous safety testing, iCrate provides peace of mind knowing your dog is safe while you're away.
  • DURABLE CONSTRUCTION: Sturdy metal wire design with a protective black e-coat finish, the iCrate resists rust and everyday wear. Complete with leak-proof tray, rubber feet, carry handle, and tool-free assembly, it's ready for years of use.
  • SUPPORTS CRATE TRAINING: A divider panel lets the crate grow with your dog, from puppy kennel to full-size crate. Large openings and low thresholds ease the crate training process and help your dog feel more at home.
  • LIFE GOES BETTER WITH PETS: A family-owned business based in Indiana, MidWest Homes for Pets brings over 100 years of pet product expertise and a commitment to quality, rigorous safety testing, and excellent US-based customer service.

This is general safety guidance, not an assessment of an individual animal. If your pet has a medical condition, dietary restriction or other special concern, ask your veterinarian what is appropriate for them.

Best Value
Sale
Aidoly Extra Large Dog Crate 48 Inch Double Door Pet Cage Kennel
  • Optimal Security: The rounded edges and smooth rounded corners, ensure a safe environment for your pet. The dog crate is equipped with thick metal mesh and doors, both featuring heavy-duty sliding bolt locks. These features not only prevent your dog from escaping but also provide optimal protection for your furry friend
  • Sturdy & Durable: Our dog crates are constructed with high-quality materials to ensure durability. The robust construction guarantees that the crate withstands wear and tear, making it a dependable choice for long-term use. The design of the crate create a cozy and enclosed environment to meet their natural instincts
  • Easy to Install & Carry: Our dog crate can be quickly and easily assembled in seconds without the need for any tools. Additionally, it conveniently folds, allowing for hassle-free transport and storage. Whether you're traveling, camping, or embarking on any on-the-go adventures with your furry friend, our collapsible dog crate is perfect
  • Easy Cleaning & Maintenance: Features a durable ABS composite tray, which are leak-proof and easy to clean, ensuring a hygienic and comfortable environment for your pet. With this easy-to-clean tray, you can keep the crate tidy with minimal effort, providing a clean and enjoyable space for your furry friend
  • Multiple Options: Our dog crate comes in multiple sizes to choose from, and you can choose different sizes and styles based on your weight or body shape. This dog kennel is suitable for pets of different sizes such as rabbits and dogs, and is a good helper for home training and outdoor activities

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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