15 Tips to Keep Your Pet Safe During the Holidays
The holidays are a magical time filled with joy, delicious meals, and sparkling decorations—but for our pets, they can also bring unexpected risks.
From shiny ornaments to tempting treats, the festive season can be a minefield of potential hazards for curious cats and playful pups.
This article shares practical tips to help you keep your furry friends safe while enjoying the holiday cheer.
At Such a Busy Time Remember to Prioritize Pet Safety During the Holidays
Holidays may be fun for us, but they can be overwhelming or even dangerous for pets. The mix of new sights, sounds, and smells, combined with unfamiliar visitors and tempting treats, can create stress and risks for your four-legged family members.
Being mindful of their safety means you can all enjoy the season with peace of mind.
1. Decorations: Sparkling lights and fragile ornaments can become choking or injury hazards.
2. Foods: Some festive treats can be toxic to pets, like chocolate, grapes, or foods with xylitol.
3. Loud Noises: Fireworks or loud music can stress out sensitive pets.
4. Escape Risks: Open doors during gatherings make it easy for pets to wander off.
Taking a few precautions can make all the difference in keeping them safe and happy.
Tips to Keep Your Pet Safe During the Holidays
Keeping your pets safe doesn’t have to be complicated—just a few small changes can protect them from harm. Below are 15 practical holiday safety tips to ensure their safety and comfort during the festivities.
1. Secure Your Christmas Tree
Pets can’t resist a wobbly tree—it’s either a climbing gym or a chew toy. To avoid accidents, anchor the tree securely to a wall and use a sturdy base. Place lightweight ornaments on lower branches to prevent broken glass or choking hazards. Also, cover the tree water to keep pets from drinking it, as it may contain harmful bacteria or chemicals.
2. Avoid Dangerous Decorations
Shiny decorations are tempting but risky. Tinsel can cause blockages if swallowed, and glass ornaments can break into sharp pieces. Use shatterproof ornaments and avoid tinsel entirely. Keep decorations out of reach and skip artificial snow spray, which can be toxic if ingested.
3. Keep Wires and Lights Out of Reach
Dangling wires and lights are a magnet for curious pets. Chewing on cords can cause burns or shocks. Secure cords with tape or covers, and unplug lights when you’re not around. If your pet seems interested, redirect their attention with a safe toy.
4. Place Candles in Safe Areas
Pets and open flames are a dangerous mix. A curious nose or a wagging tail can easily knock over a candle. Use flameless LED candles for the same ambiance without the risk, or place real candles out of reach.
5. Be Mindful of Toxic Holiday Plants
Some holiday plants like poinsettias, mistletoe, and holly can cause digestive upset or worse. Lilies are especially toxic to cats. Opt for pet-safe plants or artificial alternatives.
Toxic plants to avoid:
- Mistletoe: Can cause vomiting and heart issues.
- Holly: Leads to digestive upset and lethargy.
- Lilies: Potentially fatal for cats.
- Poinsettias: May irritate the stomach.
6. Watch Out for Food Hazards
Holiday treats often contain ingredients harmful to pets. Even small amounts of certain foods can cause serious issues.
Keep these away from pets:
- Chocolate
- Grapes and raisins
- Onions and garlic
- Sugar-free foods with xylitol
- Alcohol
- Fatty foods like turkey skin or bacon
7. Create a Safe Space for Your Pet
Holidays can be overwhelming. Give your pet a quiet, comfy retreat with their bed, favorite toys, and soothing music. Introduce this space before guests arrive so it feels familiar. This helps them relax away from the noise and commotion.
8. Prevent Door Dashing
Frequent door openings during gatherings are an escape risk. Use baby gates or train your pet to stay back when the door opens. Ensure they have updated ID tags or are microchipped, just in case they slip out.
9. Maintain Their Regular Routine
Holiday chaos can throw off your pet’s routine, causing stress. Stick to regular feeding, walking, and playtimes to keep them grounded. Exercise is especially helpful for reducing anxiety and burning off extra energy.
10. Provide Pet-Friendly Treats
Instead of sharing risky human foods, treat your pets to holiday-themed goodies made for them. You can even make homemade treats using pet-safe recipes. Treat time can also reinforce good behavior during the festivities.
11. Monitor Gift Wrapping Materials
Ribbons, string, and crinkly wrapping paper can be dangerous if ingested. Clean up immediately after unwrapping gifts, and keep materials out of reach. If your pet wants to join the fun, give them a safe “present” like a new toy.
12. Be Cautious with Alcohol and Caffeine
Holiday drinks like coffee, tea, and cocktails are toxic to pets. Keep glasses far from the edge of tables and clean up spills immediately. Offer your pet fresh water to keep them hydrated and distracted.
13. Travel Safely with Your Pet
If traveling, secure your pet in a carrier or harness for safety. Pack their essentials—food, water, and toys—and take breaks during long trips for exercise and bathroom needs. For nervous travelers, talk to your vet about calming options.
14. Protect Pets from Loud Noises
Fireworks, loud music, and parties can stress pets. Provide a quiet, soundproofed space with calming music or white noise. Anxiety wraps or pheromone diffusers may help, and your vet can recommend additional options for very nervous pets.
15. Educate Guests About Pet Safety
Guests may not know what’s safe for pets. Kindly ask them not to feed your pet or leave bags and drinks within reach.
Remind guests to:
- Keep bags off the floor.
- Close doors behind them.
- Avoid offering food or toys without permission.
These small steps can help everyone enjoy the festivities safely!
Conclusion
The holidays are a time for joy and togetherness, and with a little preparation, your pets can safely join the fun too. From securing your decorations to keeping tempting treats out of reach, small steps can make a big difference in protecting your furry friends.
Providing them with a calm space, sticking to their routine, and educating your guests about pet safety will help keep stress levels low and tails wagging.
At Fon Jon Pet Care, we understand how much your pets mean to you. If you’re looking for trusted daycare, boarding, or grooming services this holiday season, we’re here to make your life easier and your pet’s holiday brighter.
Visit us today to learn more about how we can help!
