Thanksgiving is a season of joy, gratitude, and indulgent feasting. It’s a time when we gather with family and friends to celebrate the abundance of life. But while you’re enjoying pumpkin pie and turkey with your loved ones, don’t forget about another important member of your farm family—your hardworking livestock guardian dog (LGD).

Whether you have a loyal Maremma Sheepdog or another breed, your livestock guardian dog deserves as much care and attention during the holidays as the rest of your flock.

Holidays can bring extra chaos with visitors, food, and distractions, which may present unexpected risks for your LGD. With a little extra preparation, you can ensure your dog stays safe, happy, and stress-free this Thanksgiving.

Here are some helpful tips to keep your LGD protected and comfortable during the festivities.

It’s tempting to share the spoils of your Thanksgiving feast with your four-legged friend, but cooked bones can pose serious dangers to dogs. Unlike raw bones, which can be a safe and nutritious treat for LGDs, cooked bones can splinter easily. These splinters can cause choking, puncture your dog’s gastrointestinal tract, or lead to other internal injuries.

If you plan to give your LGD a holiday treat, stick to raw bones or their usual food to ensure they remain healthy and safe.

Pro Tip: Dispose of turkey carcasses and bones securely—your LGD’s strong instincts might lead them to dig through garbage if they catch a whiff of the feast’s leftovers!

Here’s  a healthy and safe alternative to bones that will keep your livestock guardian dog busy during Thanksgiving dinner!

Skip the pumpkin pie and sweet potatoes for your livestock guardian dogs! They’re full of sugar and other unhealthy ingredients. Give them pumpkin made especially for dogs instead. This is especially good for helping to firm things up if your LGD gets into some other food they shouldn’t haver eaten!

Holiday foods are one of the season’s many joys—but behind the delicious aromas are hidden dangers for your LGD. Many common Thanksgiving ingredients, including onions, garlic, grapes, raisins, and chocolate, are toxic to dogs. Even small amounts of these foods can cause serious health issues like vomiting, diarrhea, and organ damage.

Be mindful of where you store holiday food, and make sure it’s well out of your LGD’s reach. Don’t leave plates or food scraps unattended during busy mealtimes. Educate your guests about what not to share with your guardian dog to avoid unintentional mishaps.

Quick Reminder: Foods sweetened with xylitol (a common sugar substitute) are incredibly hazardous to dogs and must be kept far away from curious canines.

Your LGD does an amazing job protecting your farm, but their instincts may make them wary of strangers. If you’re inviting visitors who aren’t familiar with your dog, prepare them ahead of time. Explain your LGD’s role on the farm and any boundaries they need to know

It’s helpful to remind guests that LGDs aren’t typical pet dogs—they have a job to do and might prefer to interact on their own terms. If your dog isn’t comfortable with strangers, provide them with the option to retreat to their safe space, away from the crowd.

For families with children, ensure little ones understand how to interact respectfully with your LGD and the importance of giving them space when working.

Thanksgiving might feel like a break from routine for you, but your LGD is still on duty, ensuring the safety of your flock. With all the added chaos of the holiday, it’s essential to maintain their normal access to the areas they’re responsible for guarding.

Secure gates, inspect fencing, and ensure pathways are clear so LGDs can go about their day uninterrupted. Staying consistent with their routine helps LGDs remain focused and at ease despite the unusual hustle and bustle of the holiday.

Holidays bring plenty of excitement, but increasing noise, activity, and unfamiliar faces can overwhelm any dog—even the most confident guardian breeds. Create a quiet, secure space where your LGD can relax and recharge if needed.

This retreat could be a shaded spot in their usual territory, an outdoor kennel, or even a designated barn stall. Ensure the space is stocked with water, bedding, and perhaps a favorite toy or treat to help them feel comfortable and secure.
Sometimes, giving your LGD the option to step away from the chaos can make a huge difference in their stress levels.

Your LGD is more than just a dog—it’s essential to your farm’s success. They work tirelessly 365 days a year to protect your livestock, and Thanksgiving is the perfect time to show them the care and appreciation they deserve.

Following these simple Thanksgiving safety tips, you can keep your livestock guardian dog happy, healthy, and stress-free during the holiday. After all, a content LGD is a valuable member of your farm family!

Wishing you, your LGD, and your entire farm the safest and happiest holiday season. 🍂❤️