Keeping Pets Out of the Kitchen During Holiday Cooking

The air is heavy with this rich, unmistakable aroma of a roasting turkey, warm butter, and spiced gravy. There are pan lids clanking, timers buzzing, and the kitchen is performing its chaotic holiday dance. However, in the middle of it all are the sweetest pair of little hopeful eyes, a wet nose, and swishing tail.

Holiday cooking is loud, fast-paced, and full of delectable hazards. While our furry family members naturally want to be where all the action (and tasty food) is, keeping them safely on the other side of the kitchen threshold is the real secret to a stress-free Thanksgiving.

When the kitchen turns into a high-traffic zone, an open oven door, scalding hot pans, and those sharp utensils can become a hazard to our curious companions. Beyond physical injuries, some of the common Thanksgiving staples we consume have toxic ingredients for our pets that can cause serious illness. Keeping them out of your cooking zone protects them, and lets you focus on preparing your scrumptious feast.

Keeping Them Safe:

• Fence Off the Feast – One of the most effective strategies is establishing a safe boundary. You can use a sturdy baby gate or a pet barrier across the kitchen doorway. If you have a gorgeous open concept kitchen, consider allowing your pet to relax in a comfortable room with their cozy bed, favorite toys, and a little background music to avoid the stress and hot oven all together.
• Clear the Counter Counters – Remember never to leave food unattended and to push it away from the edges of those full counters. Whether your cats tend to jump on the countertops or your dogs are expert counter surfers when the kitchen smells too enticing. Pushing the platters back can help avoid the food being flung across the room when the platter is pounced on or your dinner is snagged by a furry friend.
• Prep a Turkey Day Distraction – Giving your pet a stuffed Kong, puzzle toy, or yummy treat in a quiet area before your prep work starts can be helpful. This will fulfill their attention early and keep them occupied while you’re in the kitchen cooking up that tasty meal your guests are looking forward to enjoying.
• Spread the Word, Not to Spread the Gravy – When guests arrive, slipping a gentle reminder never hurts. Reminding them not to slip table scrapes to those cute puppy eyes, can help keep the kitchen boundary closed. Therefore, ensuring your pet won’t be getting scraps from anyone or anywhere. This allows you to know exactly what they’re consuming.
• Practice the “Park the Pup” Protocol Early – Practice sending your pet to their bed or mat outside of the kitchen, even before the holiday, especially when you find yourself hard at work cooking. Rewarding good behavior when they’re out of the kitchen is key. Allowing them to realize that while they’re in their space and out of your way, they will be rewarded. This will help when you’re enforcing this during the holiday chaos.

A little planning goes a long way to help ensure a stress-free holiday. By keeping your kitchen space clear, safe, and secure, you can focus on cooking a memorable feast instead of stressing about the safety of your four-legged companions. Here is to a safe, happy, and delicious Thanksgiving for everyone under your roof.

Wishing you and your furry babies a cozy and yummy Turkey Day! Looking for more great tips and tricks this holiday season, make sure to head over to the Military Pet Club!

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