Thanksgiving is a time for family. Both extended and immediate family members gather around the table or hearth for good food and an even better time with loved ones. Unfortunately, sometimes even the most cherished dog can get a bit lost in the shuffle of greeting guests, accommodating those who may not be dog lovers, and making sure everything's clean and ready for the holiday.
Sure, you love your dog, but who loves a begging dog making puppy eyes at you while you're trying to dig into your Thanksgiving feast? It doesn't have to be that way. You can include your dog in all the fun with zero guilt along the way. Just plan, prepare and be flexible.
First of all, consider your dog. Whether most people are willing to observe this fact or not, each animal is as unique as each individual person. Animals are sentient beings with individual needs. Anybody who's had two dogs in his lifetime knows that what makes one happy may make another one miserable. So think of your dog. What would make her happy this holiday? Does she enjoy an extra ten minutes in the park, or does she like to eat people food more than anything? If you don't have the luxury of giving in to all of your dog's requests, make sure to give in to the ones that make her the happiest.
Many people give out small presents on Thanksgiving as a precursor to Christmas giving. When handing out presents to friends or family members, also give a present to your dog. This may sound extreme or like the behavior of eccentrics, but that's just not so. What's fair is fair. If you want your dog to respect your wishes, respect the fact that he wants to be included, too. He won't be jumping up on your aunt for affection if he has received a present and affection like she has. Take a minute to walk in your dog's, er, paws emotionally speaking, and make her feel special on her terms.
My beloved dog, Marta, loved receiving presents. I'd wrap them for her as a child, and then I'd give them to her in front of the tree. She would choose which one to open first by the scent of all the presents, and she would open them with her teeth and paws! (She'd had plenty of lessons watching me open presents on Christmas, too.)
For some added fun, include your precious pooch in the family Christmas photos. A sweet sweater is fine if you are in cold climates, but make sure your dog stays comfortable. Some Christmas sweaters made for pets can be very uncomfortable for a dog who already has a built-in coat. On the flip side, never leave a dog out in cold weather. They need comfortable temperatures just like people, or you could unintentionally make your canine friend ill or at the very least very uncomfortable. Instead, check the temperature and try to always have a way for your dog to come back in when he's out.
Indulge your dog in some of the food that you are cooking. Imagine smelling all those smells and being denied it all? There's no need for that unintentional cruelty. However, be careful about which people foods you give to your celebrating canine. One thing you should never do during the holidays or any other time is give a dog chocolate, avocados, onions, garlic, chives, milk, macadamia nuts, or excessive salt, according to the ASPCA. See its complete list of foods to avoid when feeding your dog.
Remember that everything is best in moderation. Yeah, it's a bummer, but it's true even for dogs. "People food" is fine in moderation, but talk to your vet about a healthy limit during the holidays. That's advice we all can benefit from taking.
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