Tips for a Stress-Free Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is a time for togetherness, delicious food, and plenty of activity—but for puppies, all that excitement can feel overwhelming. From new faces at the door to unfamiliar smells in the kitchen, the holiday atmosphere can easily disrupt a puppy’s routine. With a little planning, though, you can help your furry friend stay relaxed and comfortable while you enjoy the festivities. Here are a few simple ways to create a peaceful environment for puppies during your Thanksgiving celebration.

Create a Quiet Retreat

Before guests arrive, set up a cozy, peaceful space where your puppy can unwind. This might be a spare bedroom, a corner with their bed and blankets, or even a crate if that’s their comfort zone. Keep water available and add familiar items—favorite toys, a worn T-shirt with your scent, or calming music—to help them feel secure.

Stick to Their Routine as Much as Possible

Puppies thrive on predictability. Try to keep feeding times, walks, and play sessions close to their usual schedule. Even small disruptions can cause stress, so maintaining these familiar moments throughout the day can help your puppy feel grounded despite the holiday rush.

Practice Calm Greetings

Not every puppy is enthusiastic about doorbells or excited visitors. If your puppy gets anxious when guests arrive, consider having someone hold or leash them in another room until the initial bustle settles. You can also coach guests—especially children—on how to greet your puppy gently and respectfully.

Manage Holiday Noise and Activity Levels

Between clattering dishes, laughter, and music, Thanksgiving can get loud quickly. Keeping your puppy’s safe space away from the busiest areas of the house helps minimize stress. For particularly noise-sensitive pups, white noise machines or soft background music can help drown out sudden sounds.

Monitor Interactions and Give Breaks

Some puppies enjoy being part of the crowd, while others prefer brief visits before retreating. Watch for signs of stress—yawning, lip-licking, pacing, or hiding—and give your puppy a break if they seem overwhelmed. Short, positive interactions help prevent overstimulation.

Prevent Doorway Dashes

With guests coming and going, doors may open more often than your puppy is used to. To avoid accidental escapes, use baby gates, keep your puppy in another room during arrivals, or attach a reminder note near the door for guests.

With a thoughtful setup and a little extra attention, your puppy can enjoy a calm, comfortable Thanksgiving right alongside the rest of the family. After all, this season is about gratitude—and our puppies give us so much to be thankful for.