November in Katy, Texas, is full of family, food, and festive bustle. Pets feel that excitement too, curious noses follow kitchen aromas, paws patter toward the front door, and routines shift as guests arrive. That joy can quickly turn stressful without a few thoughtful safeguards. At Circle B Veterinary Hospital in Katy, Texas, we want your holiday to be merry and vet-free. With a little preparation around food, front-door safety, décor, and travel, you can keep your companion comfortable while you soak up the season.
A Thanksgiving table offers more hazards than it appears. Rich, salty, and sweet dishes can upset stomachs or trigger pancreatitis; some ingredients are outright toxic. Even well-intended “just a taste” moments can lead to long nights of vomiting, diarrhea, or worse. Offer your pet their regular diet and a calm feeding space away from the bustle, then stick to it. If you want to include them in the celebration, a small amount of plain, cooked turkey breast (no skin, bones, or seasoning) is usually the safest choice.
Short list: foods to avoid
• Turkey skin, bones, gravy, and drippings (fatty and risky)
• Stuffing and sides with onions, garlic, chives, or leeks
• Grapes/raisins, chocolate, alcohol, xylitol-sweetened desserts, unbaked yeast dough
If a culinary “oops” happens, save packaging, note the time and quantity, and call Circle B Veterinary Hospital for guidance. Quick, informed advice prevents bigger problems and unnecessary worry.
Front doors often open on Thanksgiving. Even confident pets can slip out when greeting a crowd. Create a quiet retreat, a bedroom or office with a cozy bed, water, and favorite toys, so your pet can relax away from clatter and tempting platters. White noise or soft music helps buffer doorbells and laughter, while baby gates or exercise pens control traffic near exits. Share house rules with guests: no table scraps, latch doors, and let pets approach on their terms. If your pet startles easily, consider practicing a “place” cue and rewarding calm behavior in their safe zone, leading up to the big day.
For pets with known anxiety, the team at Circle B Veterinary Hospital can suggest calming strategies, pheromone diffusers, supplement options, and, when appropriate, prescription anxiolytics. Having a plan in place before guests arrive keeps stress low for everyone.
Whether you’re road-tripping to see relatives or boarding your pet locally, November is the time to prepare. Confirm vaccine status, microchip registration, and any documentation your destination or boarding facility requires. Pack food, medications, a favorite blanket, and written routines to keep things predictable. For car travel, use a crash-tested carrier or harness and plan rest breaks; for air travel, verify airline crate rules and temperature guidance.
If your pet is boarding while you’re away, ask about a pre-stay trial day to build familiarity. Many anxious pets benefit from starting anxiety medications or other calming supports before drop-off; talk with your veterinarian about safe, evidence-based options, correct timing, and test doses at home. The goal is steady comfort, not sedation, so your pet eats, sleeps, and settles normally while you’re gone.
Short list: pre-travel & boarding checklist
• Update microchip info and ID tags; pack records and meds
• Bring the same diet and measured portions; add a comfort item from home
• Confirm vaccine and parasite prevention requirements; schedule refills
• Discuss motion sickness, anxiety meds, and boarding routines with your vet
Festive decoration adds sparkle, and a few surprising risks. Glass ornaments can shatter; tinsel, string, and ribbon may cause intestinal blockage if swallowed; and floral arrangements can hide toxic plants. Keep fragile items higher on the tree, anchor the tree securely, and route electrical cords behind furniture or inside cord protectors to discourage chewing. Flameless candles eliminate open-flame risks around wagging tails and curious whiskers. Remember the trash, post-feast bags brim with bones, corn cobs, twine, and skewers that can obstruct or perforate the GI tract. Use a lidded bin and take trash out promptly.
If you’re unsure whether a plant or centerpiece is pet-safe, snap a photo and call your veterinarian for quick guidance. A 30-second check beats an ER visit.
After the last slice of pie, a brief walk or quiet play session helps pets decompress. Offer fresh water and stick to normal evening routines; familiar timing around meals, medication, and bedtime cues restores calm after a lively day. Monitor for signs of stomach upset, restlessness, or hiding; subtle behavior changes can signal discomfort or anxiety. When in doubt, a quick call to Circle B Veterinary Hospital can clarify whether watchful waiting or an exam is the safer choice.
A little foresight turns Thanksgiving into a safe, joyful celebration for everyone, two-legged and four-legged alike. Keep menus pet-safe, manage the front door, prep for travel or boarding (including discussing anxiety meds when needed), and tidy up tempting décor and trash. If you’d like help tailoring a holiday plan for your companion, or need advice after an unexpected mishap, contact Circle B Veterinary Hospital in Katy, Texas. We’ll offer clear, compassionate guidance so your pet stays comfortable, protected, and right by your side for every thankful moment.