The holiday season is full of sparkling lights, family gatherings, and plates piled high with once a year favorites. Whether you are hosting Thanksgiving dinner, decorating the Christmas tree, or prepping for holiday travel, this guide will help keep your dog safe, happy, and part of the celebration.

We will cover everything from holiday foods your dog can enjoy to home safety, travel and boarding tips, and grooming reminders for the festive season. Let’s dive in and make this holiday season as joyful for your pets as it is for you!

What Dogs Can Eat During Thanksgiving and the Holidays

There is nothing your dog loves more than the smell of a full holiday kitchen. And while it may be adorable watching them wait patiently under the table, not everything on your menu belongs in their bowl.

According to PetMD, here is a list of safe holiday foods you can share with your dog and food options you should avoid:

Safe holiday foods

• Plain, cooked turkey breast

• Steamed or baked sweet potatoes (Peeled is ideal, the skins can be harder to digest)

• Fresh green beans

• Plain pumpkin

• Carrots or apple slices with no seeds

• It is always best to stick to plain, dog safe foods that are not cooked in oil, grease, or heavy seasonings

Foods to avoid

• Turkey skin, bones, and drippings

• Stuffing, casseroles, and rich sides such as mashed potatoes

• Garlic, onions, scallions, and leeks

• Chocolate, grapes, raisins, and baked goods

• Xylitol in sugar free desserts

• Yeast dough

• Alcohol and holiday drinks

This is not an exhaustive list of food items, and while these foods are generally safe, it is still important to keep portions modest. Remember, holiday mishaps often come from people, not pets, whether it’s a family member sneaking your dog a drumstick or a grandparent offering stuffing because they “looked hungry.” A quick reminder to guests can help avoid digestive drama later in the evening!

Holiday Home and Hosting Safety Checklist

The holidays bring extra decorations, extra people, and extra chances for your dog or cat to get into something they should not. A few simple steps keep your celebrations merry, bright, and pet safe.

Home safety essentials

• Hang ornaments, lights, and tinsel high enough to avoid wagging tail zone

• Keep candles in secure spots or switch to flameless options

• Gather up ribbons, bows, and wrapping paper after gifting

• Avoid hazardous holiday plants like mistletoe, holly, lilies, and poinsettias

Hosting checklist

• Create a quiet retreat where your dog or cat can relax away from the noise

• Protect their routine with consistent feeding and walking times

• Ask guests to keep food and doors closed

• Consider daycare or boarding if your dog prefers fun and play over large gatherings

A little preparation goes a long way. Even the most social dogs or cats sometimes need a break from a room full of relatives, holiday music, and the great mystery of why everyone suddenly smells like peppermint.

Stress Free Pet Care While Traveling or Hosting

The holidays are magical, but they can also be chaotic. Between travel plans, long to do lists, and a house full of family, it is perfectly normal to feel overwhelmed. Boarding and daycare give your dog their own version of a holiday getaway and give you a moment to breathe.

Why boarding and daycare help during the holidays

• Dogs enjoy playtime, activities, and attention while you manage your schedule

• A stable, supervised environment reduces holiday stress for pets and parents

• Perfect for homes packed with guests, decorations, or nonstop commotion

• Staff help pets stay calm, active, and happy during the busiest time of year

• Many of our locations offer holiday themed enrichment activities, meals, treats, photoshoots, and more!

Think of it as a vacation for your dog. You get peace of mind and they get friends, fun, and plenty of playtime. For families with cats, we also offer comfortable, quiet cat boarding options so every pet can enjoy a relaxing holiday stay.

Reservations fill quickly for Thanksgiving and Christmas, book your pets’ stay at the most fun holiday party in town!

Holiday Grooming Checklist

A freshly groomed pup fits right in with holiday photos, family gatherings, and the first clean slate of the new year.

Grooming reminders

• Schedule a bath and brush before the festivities begin

• Trim nails ahead of hosting or travel

• Ask about de shedding services for winter coats

• Consider a clean up appointment after the new year

Holiday grooming is one of the season’s busiest services. Book grooming to keep your dog photo ready and fresh for every event!

A Season of Gratitude from Our Family to Yours

As the year winds down and celebrations come together, we hope these tips help make your holidays a little easier, a little calmer, and a lot more joyful. Before we wrap up this holiday guide, we want to take a moment to recognize what truly matters this time of year: Our amazing staff, the pets who brighten our days, and the families who trust us to care for them.

Enjoy a behind the scenes moment with the PetSuites team in this short video full of gratitude, smiles, and the pets who make our days brighter.

From our entire PetSuites family, we wish you and your pets a joyful, safe, and stress-free holiday season full of good food, warm memories, and plenty of wagging tails!

Ready to book a stay? Find a PetSuites location near you or continue exploring our variety of helpful content for pet parents.