Holiday Pet Safety Tips: Protect Your Furry Friends

The holidays are a joyful time filled with celebrations, decorations, and delicious food. But while we enjoy the festivities, it’s important to remember that our furry family members face unique risks during this season. From toxic foods to dangerous decorations, keeping dogs and cats safe during the holidays requires a little extra planning and awareness.

Let’s explore some veterinarian-backed tips and scientific insights to ensure your pets have a happy and hazard-free holiday season.

1. Beware of Toxic Holiday Foods

While it may be tempting to share your holiday feast with your pets, many popular holiday foods can be dangerous—and even deadly—to dogs and cats.

• Chocolate: Containing theobromine and caffeine, chocolate is highly toxic to pets. Dark chocolate and baking chocolate are especially dangerous. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), ingestion can cause vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, and in severe cases, death.
• Grapes and Raisins: These are a hidden hazard in fruitcakes, cookies, and other festive treats. Even small amounts can cause kidney failure in dogs and cats.
• Onions, Garlic, and Chives: Found in stuffing, gravies, and other savory dishes, these ingredients contain compounds that can damage red blood cells, leading to anemia.
• Bones: Cooked bones from turkey, chicken, or ham can splinter when chewed, posing choking hazards or potentially causing intestinal blockages and tears.
• Alcohol: Even small sips of alcoholic beverages can cause vomiting, coordination issues, respiratory failure, and death.

Veterinary Tip: Make sure to keep all food out of reach and remind guests not to share scraps. If your pet does ingest something toxic, contact your vet or a pet poison hotline immediately.

2. Christmas Trees and Decorations: Hidden Hazards

Decorating the home is one of the highlights of the holidays, but festive items can present serious risks for pets.

• Christmas Trees: Pine needles, whether real or artificial, can be ingested, causing stomach irritation or punctures. Ensure your tree is stable to prevent it from tipping over if curious pets climb or bump into it.
• Ornaments: Glass ornaments can shatter, creating sharp pieces that can injure paws, mouths, or internal organs if swallowed. Avoid placing fragile ornaments near the bottom of the tree.
• Tinsel and Ribbons: Cats are especially drawn to shiny, string-like objects. If ingested, tinsel and ribbons can cause dangerous gastrointestinal blockages that may require surgery.
• Lights and Cords: Chewing on electrical cords can lead to electrocution or burns. Keep cords out of reach or cover them with protective tubing.

Veterinary Tip: Consider using pet-safe decorations, such as shatterproof ornaments and ribbon alternatives like felt garlands.

3. Seasonal Plants to Avoid

Many traditional holiday plants are toxic to dogs and cats. Keep these festive favorites well out of reach:

• Poinsettias: While not as deadly as once believed, poinsettias can cause mild stomach upset and skin irritation.
• Holly: Ingesting holly can result in vomiting, diarrhea, and drooling due to its spiny leaves and toxic compounds.
• Mistletoe: This popular plant can cause severe stomach upset, difficulty breathing, and heart problems if ingested.
• Lilies: Highly toxic to cats, even small amounts of lilies can lead to kidney failure. Avoid bringing lilies into homes with feline friends.

Veterinary Tip: Opt for artificial plants or pet-safe alternatives like rosemary trees or spider plants to keep your home festive and safe.

4. Avoid Dangerous Holiday Scents and Candles

Scented candles, essential oils, and potpourri can pose hidden dangers to pets:

• Essential Oils: Certain essential oils, such as tea tree, cinnamon, and peppermint, can be toxic to pets. Diffusing these oils can irritate their airways, especially in cats.
• Candles: Pets can easily knock over candles, leading to burns or house fires. Use flameless, battery-operated candles as a safer alternative.
• Potpourri: Both liquid and solid potpourri contain harmful chemicals that can cause burns in the mouth and digestive issues if ingested.

Veterinary Tip: If you love festive scents, choose pet-safe products labeled as non-toxic or keep scents in areas pets can’t access.

5. Watch Out for Holiday Stress

The holidays can be overwhelming for pets due to loud celebrations, new people, and changes to their routine. Stress can manifest as hiding, pacing, barking, or even digestive issues.

• Create a Safe Space: Set up a quiet room where pets can retreat if the festivities get too chaotic.
• Stick to a Routine: Try to maintain feeding times, walks, and playtime as normal as possible.
• Avoid Fireworks and Loud Noises: New Year’s celebrations often bring fireworks, which can be frightening for pets. Keep pets indoors, and consider using calming products like pet-safe pheromone diffusers.

Veterinary Tip: If your pet is prone to stress or anxiety, consult your vet for advice on calming supplements or medications to help them cope.

6. Gifts and Wrapping Materials

Gift wrap, ribbons, and packaging materials may be fun for pets to play with but can also be dangerous:

• Ribbons and Bows: These can become choking hazards or cause blockages if swallowed.
• Wrapping Paper: Some inks and dyes can be toxic if ingested.
• Batteries: Small batteries from children’s toys or electronic gifts are hazardous and can cause internal burns if chewed or swallowed.

Veterinary Tip: After unwrapping gifts, promptly clean up all packaging materials and keep small items out of reach.

Final Thoughts

The holidays should be a joyful time for the entire family, including our pets. By staying mindful of food hazards, decorations, plants, and the overall environment, you can keep your dogs and cats safe and happy all season long.

Wishing you and your pets a safe and joyful holiday season!

Sources:

• American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)
• ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center
• Pet Poison Helpline