Holiday Pet Safety Tips: Keeping Your Pets Safe This Season

by | Dec 12, 2025 | Pet Health, Pet Safety

The holidays bring joy, decorations, delicious food, and time with family — but they also bring new risks for our pets. With a little preparation and awareness, you can help ensure your dog or cat enjoys a safe and happy holiday season.

In this post, Dr. Steffen shares simple, practical tips to keep your fur-family protected throughout December.

🎄 Decorate Safely

Holiday décor may look beautiful to us, but it can be tempting — and dangerous — for curious pets.

Dog and cat sitting near a Christmas tree safely away from decorations and food

Keep your pets safe and stress-free this holiday season with CAMC’s holiday pet safety tips.

Plants to Keep Out of Reach

Many festive plants can cause problems if chewed or swallowed, including:

  • Mistletoe

  • Holly

  • Some Christmas tree varieties

  • Garland and decorative greenery

If you decorate with these, place them high or block access with doors, baby gates, or exercise pens.

Christmas Tree Safety

Pets don’t need to chew on a tree for it to cause trouble — simply climbing or toppling it can lead to injury.

For cats:

  • Avoid tinsel entirely — it can cause life-threatening intestinal blockage

  • Keep fragile, shiny ornaments toward the top of the tree

  • Secure your tree firmly (a sturdy base or attaching it to a wall helps)

For dogs:

  • Use a gate or pen if they get excited by ornaments or wrapped gifts

  • Block access to tree water, which may contain additives or bacteria

  • Supervise puppies who may chew branches, cords, or decorations

Electrical Cords

With extra lights and decorations plugged in:

  • Cover or hide cords using cord protectors or PVC piping

  • Use bitter-tasting sprays to discourage chewing

  • Unplug decorations when not in use

These simple steps protect your pet from electric shock and your home from potential fire hazards.

🍗 Watch What They Eat (Or Steal!)

Holiday foods are delicious for us — but many are dangerous for pets.

Avoid Giving High-Fat Table Scraps

Foods like turkey skin, gravy, ham drippings, or buttery sides can trigger pancreatitis, an extremely painful and potentially serious condition.

Even if you don’t share food, guests may not realize the risk — so kindly remind them.

Common Holiday Foods That Are Toxic

Keep pets away from:

  • Garlic, onions, chives (common in stuffing, potatoes, latkes)

  • Raisins or currants (fruitcake, kugel, pastries)

  • Chocolate (including wrapped gifts under the tree)

  • Xylitol (found in sugar-free treats, gum, and some baked goods)

Even a small amount of these foods can cause serious problems like anemia, kidney failure, or neurological issues.

Safe Holiday Treat Alternatives

If you want your pet to enjoy something special:

  • Dog/cat treats made specifically for pets

  • Carrots, green beans, or broccoli

  • Plain pumpkin (not pie filling)

  • Small pieces of cooked, unseasoned white-meat turkey

These options let your pet celebrate without risk.

🐾 Manage Your Pet’s Fears and Stress

The holidays bring new faces, extra noise, and disrupted routines — all of which can cause anxiety in pets.

Create a Safe Space

Give your pet a quiet area stocked with:

  • A cozy bed

  • Their favorite toy

  • Food and water

  • A litter box (for cats)

Let visitors know your pet needs space and should not be disturbed there.

Noise Aversion

Fireworks on New Year’s Eve can be terrifying for dogs and cats.
Tips to help calm them:

  • Keep them indoors

  • Play calming music or white noise

  • Close blinds and curtains

  • Use a snug-fitting anxiety wrap if helpful

If your dog has severe noise anxiety, talk with Dr. Steffen about medication options ahead of time.

🚗 Travel Safely

If you’re traveling this holiday season:

  • Buckle pets into a crash-tested harness or carrier

  • Allow extra time for rest stops and potty breaks

  • Pack familiar blankets or toys for comfort

  • Ask Dr. Steffen early if your pet suffers from motion sickness — medication can help

A little preparation goes a long way toward making holiday travel smoother for both you and your pet.

❤️ Have a Safe & Joyful Holiday Season

With a few precautions, you and your pets can enjoy a peaceful, safe, and festive celebration.

If you have any questions about your pet’s safety or anxiety during the holidays, call us anytime. We’re here to help your pets stay healthy and happy through every season.

Blessings,
Dr. Gwendolyn Steffen, DVM
Companion Animal Medical Centre