Dear Dr. John,

Our grandmother is in poor health and we are all flying and driving in from various locations to spend Thanksgiving with her. We have several dogs that are going to make the trip. Do you have any suggestions on how best to introduce the dogs, even though some have already met, to minimize any friction? What can we safely feed them? T.H.

Dear T.H.,

Despite your grandmother’s poor health, it’s wonderful that you are all planning on getting together for the Thanksgiving holiday.

To start with, you all should ascertain if any of the dogs are known to be aggressive or difficult around other dogs. If not, that’s great and hopefully all will go smoothly. If any of the dogs are known to be more aggressive, their owners might want to speak with their veterinarians about being prescribed an anxiolytic medication to calm them down or possibly leave them at home or in a boarding facility. With a large family crowd and all the excitement, it could conceivably heighten their behavioral tendencies. I also think letting the dogs assimilate with one another outside before bringing them indoors would be wise.

As for foods, here are the basics: Everything in moderation. Avoid turkey skin or fatty meat including dark meat as well as anything else with a lot of fat. Fatty foods can trigger pancreatitis as well as clinical signs such as vomiting and diarrhea. Avoid any turkey bones! Also avoid anything that is very salty as well as onions, garlic, raisins, grapes, and sweets. I would also avoid stuffing as well as mashed potatoes unless they are very plain. Plain white meat without seasonings is safe to give.

The following are also okay in small amounts: sweet potatoes, pumpkin, apples, carrots, and green beans. Plain cranberries are okay but not cranberry sauce. Remember that the safe things can be given but in moderation, preferably mixed with their regular dog food. Lastly, I would not feed the dogs together unless they are used to one another.

Happy Thanksgiving, especially for your grandmother!

Dr. John de Jong is President of the World Veterinary Association. He owns and operates the Boston Mobile Veterinary Clinic and can be reached at 781-899-9994.