The holidays bring joy, laughter, and plenty of excitement to our homes, but they can also create unexpected dangers for our furry friends. From tempting decorations to rich foods, the festive season poses unique risks that every pet owner should understand. By taking a few simple precautions, you can ensure your animals stay healthy and happy while everyone celebrates.
This article provides general safety tips and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Always consult your veterinarian if you have specific concerns about your pet’s health or safety during the holidays.
1. Keep Toxic Foods Out Of Reach
Chocolate, grapes, onions, and certain nuts can poison pets, causing serious health problems or even death. Many holiday treats contain xylitol, an artificial sweetener that’s extremely dangerous for dogs.
Store all festive foods in secure cabinets or high shelves where curious paws can’t reach them. Remind guests not to share their plates with your pets, no matter how adorable those begging eyes might be.
2. Secure Your Christmas Tree Properly
Cats love climbing, and dogs with wagging tails can easily knock over an unstable tree. A falling tree can injure your pet or break valuable ornaments, creating sharp hazards on the floor.
Anchor your tree to the wall or ceiling using fishing line or special tree straps. Consider placing it in a corner away from launching points like furniture that cats might use as springboards.
3. Avoid Tinsel And Ribbon Decorations
Shiny, dangly things are irresistible to cats, but swallowing tinsel or ribbon can cause life threatening intestinal blockages. Surgery is often required to remove these items, resulting in painful recovery and expensive vet bills.
Choose safer decoration alternatives like paper chains or felt garlands. If you must use tinsel, place it only on the highest branches where pets cannot reach it at all.
4. Choose Pet Safe Plants
Poinsettias, holly, mistletoe, and lilies are popular holiday plants that can make animals very sick. Even small amounts can cause vomiting, diarrhea, or organ damage in cats and dogs.
Opt for artificial versions of these plants, or display real ones in rooms your pets cannot access. Pet friendly alternatives include Christmas cacti, spider plants, and Boston ferns that add festive colour safely.
5. Supervise Around Candles And Fireplaces
Wagging tails and curious noses can easily knock over candles, starting fires or causing painful burns. Fireplaces also pose risks, as pets might get too close to hot surfaces or knock over fireplace tools.
Use battery operated flameless candles instead of real ones, or place candles in high, stable locations. Install fireplace screens and teach pets to keep a safe distance from heating sources.
6. Manage Electrical Cord Hazards
Puppies and kittens especially love chewing on electrical cords, which can cause severe mouth burns, electrocution, or house fires. Even older pets might accidentally damage cords while playing or walking around decorations.
Cover cords with protective tubing or tape them securely along baseboards. Unplug decorative lights when you’re not home to supervise, and consider using bitter apple spray to discourage chewing behaviour completely.
7. Create A Quiet Retreat Space
Holiday parties bring loud music, unfamiliar voices, and constant doorbell ringing that can overwhelm anxious pets. Stress can cause animals to hide, escape, or even become aggressive when they feel cornered or frightened.
Set up a comfortable room with familiar bedding, toys, and water where your pet can relax undisturbed. Close the door to prevent guests from accidentally letting them out or disturbing their peaceful sanctuary.
8. Dispose Of Wrapping Materials Safely
Ribbons, bows, plastic packaging, and wrapping paper scraps might seem like fun toys, but they’re choking hazards that can block digestive systems. Batteries from electronic gifts are especially toxic if chewed or swallowed by pets.
Clean up wrapping debris immediately after opening presents, placing everything in a secure trash bin with a lid. Keep gift bags and tissue paper stored away until you’re ready to recycle or reuse them properly.
9. Update Identification Tags And Microchips
With guests coming and going, doors opening frequently, and general holiday chaos, pets can easily slip outside unnoticed. Many animals get lost during the holidays because they panic from noise or seize escape opportunities during parties.
Check that your pet’s collar fits properly and has current contact information on the tag. Verify your microchip registration details are updated with your current phone number and address information.
10. Maintain Regular Routines And Exercise
Holiday schedules get hectic, but skipping walks or playtime can make pets anxious, bored, or destructive. Regular exercise helps burn off energy and reduces stress, making animals calmer around all the seasonal excitement and changes.
Stick to normal feeding times and daily walks as much as possible, even when hosting guests. A tired, well exercised pet is far less likely to get into trouble with decorations or holiday foods.
