The Ultimate Thanksgiving Guide for Dog Parents: Travel Tips, Etiquette & A Pup-Approved Menu 🦃🐾

🦴 Thanksgiving Fun — With Dogs in Tow

Thanksgiving is one of the coziest (and busiest!) times of the year. Whether you’re piling into the car for a family road trip, hosting a house full of guests, or setting the table for a holiday feast, there’s one family member who deserves a little extra planning: your dog.

At the canine project®, co-founders Jan and Nancy know the holidays wouldn’t be the same without their pups. Over the years, they’ve picked up plenty of tips to make Thanksgiving smoother, cleaner, and happier for everyone—humans and dogs alike.

Here’s your Ultimate Thanksgiving Dog Parent Guide 📝✨

🚗 1. Thanksgiving Travel Tips for Dogs

With a bit of preparation, traveling with your dog can be an absolute joy!

✔️ Pack Smart
Before you hit the road, make a doggie travel kit. Include:

·       Leash & harness

·       Favorite toys and cozy blanket

·       Food, collapsible bowls, treats

·       Waste bags

·       Grooming essentials (like BEST BARKIN’ WIPES® for quick cleanups and DAILY RE:FRESH.™ Spray to keep them smelling fresh and clean throughout your trip)

·       Any medications or vet records

🚙 Car Comfort Matters
Make sure your canine is secure in a harness seatbelt or crate. Take breaks every 2–3 hours for water, potty, and a quick stretch.

Pro Tip from Jan: “I keep a pack of BEST BARKIN’ WIPES® in the glove compartment. Cosmo loves sticking his face out the window, and by the time we arrive, he’s got ‘travel face.’ A quick wipe and a spritz of DAILY RE:FRESH.™, and he’s ready to meet the relatives!”

✈️ If You’re Flying:
Check airline pet policies early, book your pet’s spot ASAP (some airlines have a limit on how many dogs can be brought on board, so get there early), and bring a calming aid if needed.  
Great News – BEST BARKIN’ WIPES® are TSA approved! Always have wipes handy for layovers or unexpected messes. Keep one in your pocket for on-the-go!

🏡 2. Thanksgiving Dog Etiquette for Hosting (or Visiting)

Turkey Day often means new places, new people, and a lot of activity—which can be exciting (or overwhelming!) for dogs.

🐕🦺 Prep Your Pup Before Guests Arrive

·       Give your dog a good walk to release energy.

·       Wipe paws and freshen coats with BEST BARKIN’ WIPES® and DAILY RE:FRESH.™ spray so they smell clean and cuddle-ready.

·       Set up a cozy “retreat zone” with their bed and toys where they can decompress.

🙌 Set Boundaries Politely
Let guests know your dog’s comfort levels:

·       If your dog is nervous, ask visitors to ignore them until they approach first.

·       Remind kids not to chase or grab tails.

·       Politely tell family not to slip table scraps under the table unless you’ve approved it.

🍽 Avoid Food Mishaps
Many Thanksgiving favorites aren’t dog-safe (looking at you, turkey bones and stuffing). Keep human food out of reach, and don’t leave dessert plates unattended—especially anything with chocolate, onions, or grapes.

Nancy’s Tip: “The change of season can dry out dogs’ skin leading to itchy, irritated skin. My dog starts to get excited and roll around on the carpet more.  For this, I keep our BEYOND THE FUR™ Vital Skin Therapy Spray nearby—it’s perfect for calming down any irritation fast.”

🦃 3. A Dog-Friendly Thanksgiving Menu

Your canine doesn’t need to be left out of the fun, your pup can join in the feast - safely!

Here’s a simple Thanksgiving menu your dog will love:

🐾 Appetizer:

·       A few crunchy green beans or carrots (no butter, no seasoning)

🍗 Main Course:

·       A few pieces of plain, cooked turkey (no skin, no bones, no gravy!)

·       A scoop of plain mashed sweet potatoes

🥧 Dessert:

·       A small dollop of plain pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie filling)

·       Dog-safe treats shaped like leaves or turkeys for extra fun

🚫 Foods to Avoid:

·       Turkey bones

·       Stuffing and gravy (onions, garlic, butter = trouble)

·       Pies, chocolate, grapes, raisins

·       Anything seasoned heavily or containing xylitol

✨ Bonus Tip: If you want to go extra festive, use a dog bowl platter to serve your pup’s “holiday plate.” It’s adorable and Instagram-worthy 📸

🐶 Wrap-Up: A Thanksgiving to Remember

With a little preparation, your dog can enjoy Thanksgiving as much as you do. From stress-free travel to good manners at the table and a safe holiday feast, it’s all about making them feel like part of the celebration.

And don’t forget your grooming essentials:

·       ✨ DAILY RE:FRESH.™ Daily De-Odor Body Spray → to cleanse, hydrate, neutralize odors and smell Ahh-mazing for cuddles

·       🌿 BEYOND THE FUR™ Vital Skin Therapy Spray → to soothe dry, itchy, irritated skin to care for cold-weather itchy, dry skin

·       🧼 BEST BARKIN’ WIPES® → for quick road trip cleanups and home-ready paws

From our families (and canines) to yours — Happy Thanksgiving! 🦃🐾🍁