Thanksgiving Tips for Stress-Free Holidays with Your Pets - Hound About Town

Thanksgiving Tips for Stress-Free Holidays with Your Pets

November 14, 2025

The Thanksgiving season in Simpsonville and Fountain Inn, SC, is a time for family, friends, and gratitude. Between preparing meals, hosting guests, and maybe even traveling, it’s easy to overlook how the busy holiday atmosphere can affect your pets. From rich food aromas to loud gatherings and disrupted routines, Thanksgiving can be a challenging time for dogs and cats.

At Hound About Town, LLC, we understand how much your pets mean to you, and we want both you and your furry companions to enjoy the holidays without stress. Whether you’re hosting a house full of guests or spending the day away with family, these practical tips will help ensure Thanksgiving pet safety while keeping your pets calm, comfortable, and happy.

Let’s explore how to create a holiday plan that works for everyone, including your four-legged family members.

1. Create a Calm Environment Before Guests Arrive

Thanksgiving gatherings can be overwhelming for pets. The noise, movement, and excitement of visitors can easily cause stress or anxiety. Before your guests arrive, set up a safe, quiet space where your pet can retreat when things get too busy.

  • Choose a familiar room: A bedroom, den, or cozy corner where your pet already feels comfortable is ideal.

  • Add comforting items: Include your pet’s favorite blanket, toys, and water bowl to make the space inviting.

  • Play soothing sounds: Soft music or a white noise machine can help drown out loud voices and clattering dishes.

If your pet tends to get nervous around company, Hound About Town offers Reiki sessions specifically designed to help calm anxious pets. Reiki promotes relaxation and balance, making it especially beneficial during busy holidays when your pet’s stress levels might rise.

2. Maintain Regular Feeding and Exercise Routines

Pets thrive on consistency. Even during the holiday hustle, it’s important to keep their daily routines as close to normal as possible. This means feeding at the usual times and ensuring they still get enough exercise.

Stick to Regular Meals

Avoid feeding your pets from the Thanksgiving table. While it might be tempting to share a bite or two, many holiday foods are unsafe for animals. Instead, keep their mealtime schedule consistent with their regular diet. If you’re hosting or traveling, consider scheduling drop-in visits from Hound About Town to handle feedings while you focus on guests and meal prep.

Keep Up with Exercise

Dogs especially need regular activity to stay balanced and calm. A good walk before guests arrive can help burn off excess energy and reduce anxiety. Our professional dog walking services are available throughout the holiday season, giving your pets the exercise they need even on your busiest days.

Maintaining these routines not only supports your pet’s well-being but also prevents behavioral issues that can arise from boredom or stress.

3. Be Mindful of Thanksgiving Foods and Kitchen Safety

Thanksgiving dinner might be the highlight of your day, but it’s also one of the biggest sources of pet emergencies during the holiday season. The kitchen can become a danger zone if pets have access to food or scraps that are harmful to them.

Foods to Avoid

Some common Thanksgiving foods are toxic or difficult for pets to digest, including:

  • Turkey skin, bones, and fatty drippings

  • Stuffing or casseroles containing onions, garlic, or chives

  • Grapes and raisins (often found in salads or desserts)

  • Chocolate, macadamia nuts, and sugary treats

  • Yeast doughs and rich gravies

Even small amounts can cause digestive issues or worse, depending on the ingredient. Keep food out of reach, and remind guests not to sneak table scraps to your pets.

If your pet is curious around the kitchen, consider setting up a pet gate or keeping them in their safe space while cooking and serving food. For longer meal periods or when traveling to relatives’ homes, Hound About Town offers pet sitting services so you can relax knowing your pets are supervised and secure.

4. Plan Ahead for Travel and Long Gatherings

Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving dinner or heading out of town, planning ahead for your pets ensures a smoother and safer experience for everyone.

Staying Home

If you’re hosting, it can be hard to manage your pet’s needs while entertaining guests. Arrange for a drop-in visit from one of our trained sitters to check in, feed, and walk your pets during busy times. This gives you peace of mind knowing your furry friend is still getting personal attention.

Traveling Away

For families traveling to visit loved ones, leaving pets home alone for extended periods can cause anxiety and loneliness. Our pet sitting services in Simpsonville and Fountain Inn provide in-home care that keeps your pets comfortable in their familiar environment. Each visit can include feeding, playtime, and medication if needed.

If your pets are staying behind, make sure their routine is clearly outlined for your sitter. Include feeding times, special dietary instructions, favorite toys, and any behavioral quirks to help maintain a sense of normalcy.

5. Monitor Guest and Pet Interactions

Not every guest will be familiar with how to approach or handle your pets. Some visitors may be nervous, and others—especially children—might get too excited. Setting boundaries helps prevent stress or accidents.

  • Communicate early: Let guests know you have pets and explain any important rules, such as not feeding them or leaving doors open.

  • Supervise introductions: Allow your pets to greet guests calmly, and watch for signs of discomfort like growling or hiding.

  • Provide breaks: If your pets seem overwhelmed, guide them back to their safe space to rest.

If your pet struggles with anxiety around groups or loud environments, a Reiki session before or after the event can help restore calm and balance. This gentle energy therapy is especially effective for pets who get nervous during social gatherings or fireworks.

6. Decorate with Pet Safety in Mind

Thanksgiving decorations add warmth and charm to your home, but some can be hazardous to curious pets. Keep safety in mind when setting the festive scene.

  • Candles and flames: Keep them out of reach to prevent burns or accidents.

  • Decorative plants: Avoid toxic varieties like lilies, amaryllis, or holly berries.

  • Small décor items: Mini pumpkins, corn husks, and ribbons can become choking hazards if chewed.

  • Electrical cords: Tape them down or use cord protectors to prevent chewing.

By making a few adjustments, you can create a beautiful holiday atmosphere that’s safe for everyone, including your furry family members.

7. Support Your Pet’s Emotional Well-Being

Thanksgiving can be a joyful but unpredictable time for pets. Strangers, new smells, and shifting energy in the home can leave them unsettled. Paying attention to their emotional needs is just as important as physical care.

At Hound About Town, we focus on holiday pet care that supports both the physical and emotional well-being of animals. Along with our pet sitting and walking services, our Reiki sessions are available to help restore balance to pets who may experience stress, separation anxiety, or over-excitement during the holiday season.

Signs Your Pet May Be Stressed

  • Excessive panting, pacing, or whining

  • Hiding or avoiding people

  • Decreased appetite

  • Destructive behavior (chewing, scratching)

If you notice these signs, try to remove your pet from the stimulating environment and offer a calm space. Our Reiki practitioners can help re-center your pet’s energy, making them more relaxed and comfortable through the season.

8. Keep Outdoor Safety in Mind

In Simpsonville and Fountain Inn, fall weather can bring cooler temperatures and more activity outdoors. Whether you’re letting pets out to play or taking a walk before dinner, a few precautions go a long way.

  • Use reflective gear: Early sunsets mean darker walks. A reflective leash or collar improves visibility.

  • Watch for wildlife: Thanksgiving often brings increased wildlife movement. Stay alert during evening walks.

  • Avoid distractions: With guests and kids running around, it’s easy to leave gates open. Make sure your yard is secure before letting pets outside.

For pet owners who need help maintaining daily exercise routines, our dog walking services provide the perfect solution. We ensure your pets get fresh air, movement, and one-on-one attention even during your busiest holiday days.

9. Enjoy a Relaxed and Grateful Holiday

Thanksgiving is meant to be a time of gratitude and connection. By planning ahead and prioritizing your pet’s comfort, you can enjoy the day without worry.

At Hound About Town, LLC, we help families across Simpsonville and Fountain Inn, SC, make holidays stress-free for both people and pets. Whether you need drop-in visits, Reiki sessions, or dog walking, our services are tailored to keep your pets safe, happy, and well-cared for.

If you’re wondering how to keep pets safe and happy during Thanksgiving in Simpsonville, SC, trust our compassionate team to lend a helping hand. Let us take care of your pets this season, so you can focus on what matters most: spending time with loved ones and giving thanks.

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