Holiday Pet Safety Tips: Keep the Season Merry and Bright for Your Furry Family

The holidays bring sparkle, excitement, and plenty of festive cheer. They also come with hidden hazards that can sneak up on even the most attentive pet parents. From tempting treats to bustling gatherings, a little preparation goes a long way in keeping your pets safe and stress free. 

Foods, Plants, and Décor to Avoid

Holiday tables are full of delicious dishes, but many traditional foods aren’t pet friendly. A few quick reminders can help you sidestep an emergency vet visit.

Foods to Skip 

• Chocolate, especially dark chocolate 

• Grapes and raisins 

• Onions, garlic, and chives 

• Xylitol (often found in sugar-free desserts and gum) 

• Turkey bones or any cooked bones 

• Rich, fatty foods that can trigger pancreatitis

Plants to Be Careful With

Some festive favorites can cause stomach upset or worse. Keep these out of reach or opt for pet-safe alternatives. 

• Poinsettias

• Holly

• Mistletoe

• Lilies

Décor Hazards

Sparkly decorations are irresistible to curious pets.

Make sure to: 

• Secure your tree so an enthusiastic pup or climbing cat can’t topple it

• Use covered water reservoirs to keep pets from drinking tree water

• Keep tinsel, garlands, and ribbon far from cats (they can cause dangerous blockages)

• Avoid glass ornaments on lower branches

• Tape down cords and use cord protectors to prevent chewing

Guest Prep and Cozy Pet Zones

Holiday gatherings can be fun, but for pets, they can feel overwhelming. Setting up a few plans ahead of time can make a world of difference.

Prepare Guests

Let visitors know you have pets and share any boundaries you need respected. This might include keeping doors closed, avoiding sneaking table scraps, or letting shy animals approach on their own terms.

Create Safe Spaces

Give your pets a quiet retreat where they can decompress. This space might include: 

• A comfy bed or crate

• Fresh water

• Soothing music or a white-noise machine

• Favorite toys or enrichment puzzles

If your pet is easily startled, consider using gates, closed rooms, or designated “pet-only” areas during busy moments like gift opening or dinner service.

Safety Tips for Both Dogs and Cats

Both species have their quirks, and the holidays highlight them in funny (and sometimes hazardous) ways.

For Dogs

• Monitor doorways when guests arrive to prevent accidental escapes.

• Keep walkways clear of packages and décor to prevent tripping hazards.

• Stick to routines as much as possible, especially for feeding, walks, and potty breaks.

For Cats

• Secure climbing temptations, like trees and dangling ornaments.

• Avoid tinsel, yarn, and ribbon which cats love but can swallow.

• Offer vertical resting spaces so your cat can observe festivities from a safe distance.

For Both 

• Ensure microchips and ID tags are up to date.

• Keep emergency vet numbers somewhere easy to access. 

• Provide enrichment to help burn off extra holiday-season energy.

Peace of Mind = Peace on Earth

A little planning helps your pets enjoy the magic of the season right alongside you. By keeping hazards out of reach, offering safe spaces, and honoring your pets’ comfort levels, you’re giving them the greatest gift of all: a holiday filled with love and calm.

Wishing you and your furry family a joyful, safe, and peaceful holiday season!