Holiday Pet Safety Tips

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The holiday season is a time for joy and celebration, but it can also pose unique risks to our pets. Here are some essential tips to keep your pets safe so everyone can enjoy the festivities.

Decorations

  • Lights: Keep wires and batteries out of reach. Chewing on wires can cause electrical shocks, and punctured batteries can result in burns to the mouth and throat.
  • Holiday Plants: Mistletoe and holly can cause stomach upset and heart issues if ingested. Lilies are highly toxic to cats, causing kidney failure, while poinsettias can lead to mild to moderate stomach upset. Consider using artificial plants as a safer alternative.
  • Christmas Trees: Secure your tree firmly to prevent tipping. Cover the tree water container, as it may contain bacteria that cause nausea or diarrhea. Keep wrapped food and candy off the floor, avoid tinsel (which can cause obstructions if ingested), and consider using bells on lower branches to monitor pet activity. Homemade ornaments, especially those made from flour, water, and salt, can be harmful if eaten.
  • Candles: Never leave lit candles unattended. Pets can easily knock them over, risking burns or fire hazards.
  • Snow Globes: Many contain ethylene glycol (found in antifreeze), which is highly toxic. If a snow globe breaks, clean it up immediately to prevent accidental ingestion.

Food Safety Holiday meals are a highlight, but certain foods can be dangerous for pets. Ensure pets can’t access food on tables or counters, and inform guests not to feed them table scraps.

Toxic foods to avoid include:

  • Alcohol
  • Bones (which can splinter)
  • Candy, especially chocolate and items containing xylitol
  • Chives, garlic, and onions
  • Grapes, raisins, and fruit pits (e.g., cherries, peaches, avocados, apples)
  • Dairy products (due to lactose intolerance)
  • Nuts
  • Trash (secure trash bins to prevent scavenging)

If your pet ingests something harmful, contact the Pet Poison Helpline at 855-764-7661 or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435.

Entertaining Guests Holiday gatherings can be overwhelming for pets. Prepare by:

  • Providing a quiet room or crate as a safe space.
  • Informing guests about your pets, especially if they have allergies or fears.
  • Monitoring doors during parties to prevent pets from slipping outside.
  • Keeping guests’ belongings, especially medications, out of reach.
  • Reducing exposure to loud noises, such as music, fireworks, or noisemakers.
  • Supervising interactions between pets and young children.
  • Ensuring pets are microchipped with up-to-date contact information.

Package Deliveries With increased holiday deliveries, use baby gates or keep an eye on pets to prevent them from darting outside when you open the door.

Following these tips will help ensure a safe and joyful holiday season for both you and your pets.

 

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