Friendsgiving might not have an official start date or definition, but the one certainty is that it’s a great holiday to spend with the people we care most about.
So don’t forget your dog!
Our furry friends have the ability to take a special day and make it magnificent! Since Friendsgiving is designed to be stress-free, utilize these tips to have a great holiday with friends and dogs.
The Unwanted Friendsgiving Feast
Be honest with your guests about what your dog can or cannot eat. Many people have a habit of wanting to feed dogs scraps of food under the table. They feel food is the way to a dog’s heart. This might be true, but it’s more likely the way to vomit or diarrhea! You and your dog can be the ones to suffer if they end up with a stomach ache. Let your friends know that if you find your dog sitting at their legs you’ll know they are guilty. And if your dog gets sick, a special delivery will be made to their front door!
TIP: Bring your own dog treats. Hand them out to people if they are looking to share snacks with pup. This will keep your pet from eating too much table food and let everyone at the party satisfy their urge to feed him.
Have a Friendsgiving Contingency Plan
Just in case your dog doesn’t get along with someone else’s dog, know what you’re going to do with him. The last thing you want to do is have to cut your Friendsgiving short by having to bring your dog back home. Obviously, leaving them in the car is not an option. So whether it’s a safe spare room for them to hang for a while or a pet sitter who can take them off your hands for a bit, a Plan B ensures you get to chill and enjoy the day.
Have Puppy Bowl, Will Travel
If you have received the host’s permission and decide to bring your dog to Friendsgiving, pack your own bowl so the host does not have to worry about cleaning a water bowl for you. Also, bring your own chew toy from home so the dog does not take anything that does not belong to him. It’s imperative to respect your Friendsgiving host, as they will likely have their hands full, and have been kind enough to welcome you and your pals under their roof for this celebration.
Tryptophan Tactics
Don’t let all of the eating and fun distract you from letting your dog take care of business. You want to make sure that he is well exercised and given the opportunity to do number one and number two before the event begins. Tiring out a dog before a social event is always a good idea. This will help reduce the odds of him exhibiting any aggressive or anxious behavior during the event.
Balancing Act
Give your dog (and yourself!) the opportunity to be social. Don’t hog all of your pet’s attention. Likewise, give people an opportunity to enjoy your pet. After all, you get his furry butt every day!
Bringing people and pets together can be a challenge. But with a little preparation, Friendsgiving can be the perfect time to get your favorite two-legged and four-legged friends together.
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