Christmas Pet Safety for a Happy Holiday

Navigating the holidays can be tricky when you share life with pets. Fortunately, Christmas pet safety doesn’t mean compromising the joy and magic of the season. With a little preparation and some proactive precautions, you and your family can create memories that will last a lifetime.

Seemingly innocent seasonal staples like festive foods and decorations are potential hazards for curious pets. Not all dogs and cats enjoy new people and gatherings, which can escalate their fears and stress triggers. It’s important to make thoughtful adjustments and preventive measures for fret-free festivities.

Fortunately, we’ve got you covered for holiday pet safety so you can focus on enjoying this time of year. These simple, time-tested tips will ensure your dogs and cats stay safe and comfortable throughout the celebrations. After all, the last thing pet parents want is a visit to an emergency veterinarian. Here’s your handy guide.

Christmas Pet Safety Food Hazards to Watch Out For

There are foods dogs and cats should never consume, no matter what time of year. During the holidays, pet parents must be on high alert. This includes telling relatives and guests that table scraps and sneaking food to pets is a no-no.

Here are some common (and not-so-common) Christmas foods that are harmful or toxic to dogs and cats:

Chocolate

Due to the presence of theobromine and caffeine in chocolate, never share this tasty treat with your dogs or cats. Pets tend to metabolize or process these substances slower than their human counterparts. This means toxicity can occur even in smaller amounts. Dark chocolate and dark baking chocolate are even more toxic.

Alcohol

Allowing your pet to ‘take a sip’ of an alcoholic beverage is off-limits. A small amount can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, central nervous system issues, and even death. Ask guests not to leave drinks on the floor or where pets can reach them.

Xylitol and Artificial Sweeteners

Xylitol is a sugar substitute used in many sugar-free products. When it gets in your pet’s bloodstream, it can lead to low sugar levels, seizures, and ultimately liver failure. Read labels carefully; some peanut butter products contain sugar-free substitutes. When in doubt, don’t share with Fido or Fluffy. 

Rich, Fatty Foods

Fatty foods like gravy, butter, sauces and dressing, meats, and turkey skin can lead to pancreatitis, which can be deadly. These foods are difficult for pets to digest, so err on the side of caution and don’t share with dogs and cats.

Bones and Small Treats

Bones and smaller treats may seem harmless but pose major risks to dogs and cats. Vomiting, diarrhea, and choking can result. Dietary indiscretion, pancreatitis, choking, and foreign bodies getting lodged are some of the main reasons pet parents visit an emergency veterinarian (1).

Unbaked Yeast Dough

Baked yeast dough is a common holiday item in cookies and breads. However, it can also expand in pets' stomachs, causing gas and bloating. As the yeast works through your pet’s body, it ferments, breaks down, produces alcohol, and can lead to alcohol poisoning.

Salt

If consumed excessively or your pet chews on homemade ornaments that use salt, they can get very sick. Salt ingestion causes dehydration by drawing water from cells, throwing off electrolytes, and poisoning a pet.

Macadamia Nuts

Macadamia nuts are toxic to dogs and harmful to cats. They affect a dog’s nervous system and can cause tremors, lack of coordination, weakness, and digestive issues. Symptoms usually appear within 6 to 12 hours after consumption but can last up to two days.

Chives

Often used in holiday dishes like mashed potatoes and meats, chives contain a sulfur-based compound that can make pets ill (2). Symptoms of chive consumption in pets include nausea, vomiting, excessive drooling, lethargy, rapid heartbeat, and pale gums.

Grapes and Raisins

Grapes and raisins are highly toxic to dogs and harmful to fats. Consumption of grapes and raisins in dogs may lead to acute kidney failure that can be irreversible. Keep both far away from your dog’s reach. Often, raisins are in holiday cookies, so share dog treats, not human ones.

Onions and Garlic

Certain compounds in onions and garlic make them toxic to cats and dogs. Toxicity depends on how much your pet eats and their size. Garlic and onions are often used in holiday meals and seasonings, so stick to feeding your pets their usual food and treats.

Preventing Wrapping Paper and Non-Food Ingestion

Funny feline videos of cats batting at ornaments or shiny tinsel tend to circulate on the Internet during the holiday season. Cats and some dogs are overly stimulated by the shiny and crinkly nature of decorations coupled with their instincts.

Pets often use their mouths to explore, so moving or dangling decor may resemble prey, such as a mouse or rabbit. Some dogs enjoy eating non-food items like socks, wrapping paper, or ribbons. This is called pica and can be a medical emergency due to intestinal blockage or choking. You may only realize your pet ate something once it's too late.

Prevent a tragedy by keeping wrapped gifts out of reach, using baby gates to prevent access to certain rooms, or providing safe alternative toys and games to keep your pets busy. Ribbons, scissors, and wrap should be kept safely out of reach.

Pro Tip: Train your dog the leave-it command so they know what is off-limits. For cats, engage in pre-gift wrapping play to tire them out.

Pet-Proofing the Christmas Tree

One of the major Christmas hazards for cats is the Christmas tree. Opt for a smaller tree that is less likely to entice your kitty. Strategically place the tree in an area or room the cat cannot access. Use foil or sticky tape near the tree since cats do not like either texture.

Secure your tree with sisal rope or burlap to make climbing less appealing to cats. Many pet parents use shatterproof ornaments year after year. Avoiding glass ornaments and placing decorations higher up where curious pets can’t reach them is ideal.

Be very careful if you enjoy Christmas plants like poinsettia, holly, or mistletoe, which are toxic to pets. Consider plastic plants and artificial decorations, or skip dangerous plants entirely to err on the safe side. Christmas pet safety means be aware of which plants pets should never be around.

Finally, Christmas tree water may contain harmful additives or fertilizers. Never allow pets to drink from the Christmas tree water. Cover the water reservoir with a tree skirt or aluminum foil to prevent access. Baby gates or decorative fencing near the tree also deter dogs and cats.

Easing Pet Anxiety Around Guests and Holiday Activity

Increased visitors and activity are some of the biggest Christmas hazards to dogs and cats. If your pet isn’t fond of traveling, consider a 5-star pet sitter from TrustedHousesitters. The pet sitter comes to your home, which is a familiar environment for your pet and less stressful.

Here are some ways to destress your pet and ease their anxiety throughout the holidays:

Designate a Quiet Space or Retreat

Pets should have free access to their favorite space or spot in your residence. For cats, that may be a certain room or closet. For dogs, that may be their kennel or another room. Ensure your pet feels safe and undisturbed.

Introduce Visitors and Guests Slowly

Don’t force pets to engage with guests, as this can cause anxiety and gastrointestinal upset. Instead, allow pets to greet visitors on their terms. If your pets aren’t fond of traveling to neighbors or family, let them stay home.

Use Calming Products if Necessary

Pheromone products, calming treats, or CBD are all popular options to help pets take the emotional edge off. If your pet has severe anxiety during the holiday season, talk to your veterinarian beforehand.

Keep a Routine in Place

Dogs and cats are creatures of habit. Keep their schedules and routines as close to normal as possible, including when they eat, play, and walk.

Christmas Pet Safety

When your pet is in another room or home alone, having a pet camera to monitor your dog or cat provides peace of mind. There are many options available, including treat dispensing and night vision options.

From electrical cords to holiday meals, dogs and cats are often tempted. Making simple adjustments and planning for a stress-free holiday can help your pets stay safe, comfortable, and out of harm’s way. Cheers to holiday pet safety and to all, a good night! *** Written by: Carol Bryant

Carol Bryant is the founder FidoseofReality.com and SmartDogCopy.com. A pet product expert, Carol is the Past President of the Dog Writers Association of America (DWAA) and winner of Best Dog Blog. A dog lover of the highest order is how Gayle King introduced Carol when she appeared with her Cocker Spaniel on Oprah Radio’s Gayle King Show to dish dogs. She helps pet, animal, and lifestyle brands achieve copywriting and content marketing success using well-trained words that work and is well-known in the pet industry.