JAR Tips: Including Rover in Your Thanksgiving Gathering

Feasting with Fido: Bringing Joy and Gratitude to the Thanksgiving Table. 🍂🐶🦃(Image created by Just Add Rover with DALL-E by OpenAI)

Thanksgiving is a time of warmth, family, and gratitude. And who better to share it with than our loyal four-legged family members? Here’s how you can include your family dog in the Thanksgiving festivities safely and joyfully.

Autumn Bubbles and Tail Wags: Capturing the Simple Joys of Fall with Our Furry Friends. 🐕💭🍁 (Image created by Just Add Rover with DALL-E by OpenAI)

🦃 Turkey Broth Scented Bubble Mix

Dogs and kids alike will love this! Mix a little turkey broth with non-toxic bubble solution for a fun, sensory experience. As the bubbles pop, the scent of turkey will keep the dogs engaged and entertained.

(Safety Tip: Ensure the broth is onion and garlic-free, as these are harmful to dogs.)

🎨 Turkey Art with a Twist

Create memorable art with a canine touch! Before the party, cut out turkey shapes from white construction paper. At the party:

• For Dogs: Add dabs of dog-safe peanut butter on a Ziplock bag containing the turkey cut-out and tempura paint. As the dog licks the bag, they'll create a unique piece of art!

• For Kids: Kids can use a paintbrush on the outside of the bag or paint directly on the paper.

(Supervision is key: Ensure an adult is present, especially with young children around.)

Masterpaws at Work: Unleashing Creativity with Our Turkey Art Project! 🐾🎨🦃(Image created by Just Add Rover with DALL-E by OpenAI)

🐾 A Quiet Retreat for Your Pup

A busy party can be overwhelming for dogs. Create a calm, secluded spot where they can relax. For example, a bed tucked away in a quiet corner or a crate in a low-traffic area can provide a safe haven.

🚫 A Gentle Reminder: Doggy Diet Do's and Don'ts

Guests love treating pets, but not all foods are safe. Consider:

• Placing a sign near the food area reminding guests not to feed the dog food from the table.

• Providing a small bowl of healthy, low-calorie dog treats that guests can give instead.

🍽️ Thanksgiving Foods: Yes and No for Dogs*

• Safe in Moderation: Turkey meat (no bones or skin), plain sweet potatoes, carrots, green beans.

• Unsafe: Onions, garlic, yeast dough, raisins or grapes, chocolate and candy, xylitol (found in sugar-free foods), alcohol, fried foods, nuts, dairy, and turkey bones and skin.

(*For a more comprehensive list of Thanksgiving dog safety tips, please see the American Veterinary Medical Association's Thanksgiving Pet Safety page: here.)

By including these fun activities and safety tips, you'll ensure that both your two-legged and four-legged guests have a delightful Thanksgiving!

BONUS: Here is a free printable for coloring fun!: