8 Holiday Pet Safety Tips to Keep Cats and Dogs Calm and Happy
Holidays bring cheer, visitors, decorations — and potential hazards for our furry companions. These holiday pet safety tips will help protect your dog or cat from stress, dangerous foods, and festive mishaps, so everyone in your home can enjoy a calm and joyful season.
1. Watch Out for Toxic Holiday Foods
Chocolate, grapes, onions, alcohol, and rich fatty foods can be toxic for pets. Keep festive snacks out of reach and let guests know not to share from their plates.
2. Avoid Tinsel and Fragile Ornaments
Cats love to bat tinsel, and dogs may chew glass ornaments. Use soft, shatterproof decorations or keep breakables above paw level to prevent accidents.
3. Secure Your Tree or Decorations
A toppling tree can be dangerous. Anchor it securely and keep lights, cords, and wrapped gifts tucked away from curious pets who like to chew or climb.
4. Provide a Quiet Retreat for Pets
Holiday guests and noise can be overwhelming. Set up a calm room with your pet’s bed, toys, and water where they can retreat when things get too chaotic.
5. Keep Candles and Open Flames Out of Reach
Pets can accidentally knock over lit candles with a tail swipe or curious paw. Use flameless LED candles for a safer alternative that still looks festive.
6. Skip the Real Mistletoe and Holly
Many holiday plants — including mistletoe, holly, and lilies — are toxic to pets. Choose fake versions instead or decorate with pet-safe greenery like rosemary or pine.
7. Stick to Pet-Safe Wrapping Paper
Skip glitter, ribbons, and foil. These materials can cause intestinal blockages if eaten. Use recycled paper or pet-safe wrapping to keep gift time worry-free.
8. Prepare a Pet Emergency Plan
Travel delays or winter storms can create unexpected situations. Have extra food, medication, and vet contact info on hand — and know where the nearest 24/7 emergency vet is located.
Celebrating with your pets is one of the joys of the season. With these holiday pet safety tips, you can protect your dog or cat from common risks and make your apartment festive, fun, and safe for everyone.
Helpful resources:
🔗 Holiday Pet Safety – ASPCA
🔗 Pet Emergency Tips – Red Cross
Frequently Asked Questions
What holiday plants are toxic to pets?
Mistletoe, holly, lilies, and poinsettias can be toxic. Opt for pet-safe alternatives or artificial decorations when in doubt.
Can dogs or cats eat holiday leftovers?
No — avoid feeding table scraps. Many festive foods (like gravy, chocolate, and bones) can be harmful to pets.
How do I keep pets calm during holiday gatherings?
Give them a quiet room, keep routines as normal as possible, and offer calming toys or enrichment to reduce stress.
Are holiday candles safe to use around pets?
Use flameless LED candles to avoid fire hazards or accidental burns. Pets can knock over real candles easily.
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