Thanksgiving with a dog: set up the kitchen before guests arrive

A Thanksgiving host has to keep track of hot dishes, coats, children and a front door that keeps opening. Give one person responsibility for the dog during the busiest stretch. Set up a comfortable retreat before anyone arrives and keep the dog’s normal food available. Let guests know where the dog can rest and whether they may offer treats. People who know the rule before dinner are less likely to improvise under the table.

Plan for prep and cleanup

Keep rising yeast dough out of reach while preparing food. Move plates with turkey bones straight to a secure bin and clear dishes that contain onions or garlic before leaving the table unattended. The ASPCA also warns about xylitol in some sugar-free foods. Check the ingredient list if a guest brings a dessert and you’re considering where to set it down. ASPCA Thanksgiving safety tips

The riskiest part of the meal for your household may be the period after it ends, when leftovers sit out and people stop paying attention to the kitchen. Assign that stretch to someone too. If your dog eats something concerning, get the package or ingredient list and call a veterinarian promptly for instructions. Keep your usual clinic’s number and the number for an out-of-hours clinic where another adult can find them.