Holiday Hazards: Protecting Your Pets During the Festive Season

The festive season is filled with joy, celebrations, and family time, but it also brings unique challenges for pet owners. Decorations, holiday treats, and changes in the home environment can all introduce unexpected risks. With a little extra care, you can ensure your pet stays safe, happy, and stress-free during the most wonderful time of the year. Here’s everything you need to know to protect your pet from holiday hazards.

1. Christmas Trees and Pine Needles

A Christmas tree may be the centrepiece of your festive décor, but for pets, it can be an irresistible playground or snack station.

Potential Dangers

• Falling Trees: Pets can accidentally tip over the tree if it’s not securely fastened.
• Pine Needles: These sharp needles can irritate a pet’s mouth or digestive system if eaten.
• Tree Water: The water at the base of real trees may contain preservatives, bacteria, or sap, which can make your pet unwell if they drink it.

How to Protect Your Pet

• Anchor the Tree: Secure it to a wall or heavy base to prevent tipping.
• Keep the Area Clean: Regularly vacuum or sweep up fallen pine needles.
• Block Access to Tree Water: Use a tree skirt or barrier to prevent pets from drinking it.

If you’re looking for pet-friendly Christmas gift ideas, check out our Christmas Gift Guide for Your Pets! for safe and fun presents they’ll love.

2. Baubles, Tinsel, and Decorations

Shiny, dangling ornaments can be irresistible to curious pets - especially cats - but they can also pose serious health risks.

Potential Dangers

• Choking or Obstruction: If chewed or swallowed, baubles, tinsel, or ribbon can cause intestinal blockages.
• Broken Glass: Glass baubles that shatter can cause cuts to paws, mouths, or noses.

How to Protect Your Pet

• Use Shatterproof Ornaments: Swap fragile glass baubles for pet-safe, shatterproof decorations.
• Keep Decorations Out of Reach: Hang ornaments higher on the tree, away from curious paws.
• Avoid Tinsel: Tinsel is a major hazard for cats, who love to chew on it, so it’s best to skip it altogether.

If your pet eats tinsel or an ornament, look for signs like vomiting, loss of appetite, or changes in behavior. These could be signs of an obstruction, in which case, you should read our How to Spot Signs of Pain in Pets: A Guide for Observant Owners to learn more about early warning signs and when to take action.

3. Dangerous Holiday Foods

The holidays are a time for indulgence, but many of our favorite festive foods are toxic to pets.

Common Foods That Are Dangerous for Pets

• Chocolate: Contains theobromine, which is toxic to dogs and cats.
• Onions, Garlic, and Stuffing: Often found in festive meals, but toxic to pets.
• Christmas Pudding, Raisins, and Grapes: These can cause kidney failure in dogs.
• Xylitol: This sugar substitute, found in some sweets and baked goods, is highly toxic.

How to Protect Your Pet

• Keep Food Out of Reach: Ensure that plates, platters, and leftovers aren’t left unattended.
• Educate Guests: Let guests know not to feed your pet from the table.
• Use Pet-Safe Treats: Have a supply of pet-friendly treats on hand so your pet doesn’t feel left out.

If you suspect your pet has eaten something they shouldn’t have, watch for signs like vomiting, diarrhoea, or lethargy. In an emergency, contact Paws in the City’s 24/7 emergency line for immediate advice.

4. Holiday Plants to Watch Out For

Some festive plants may look lovely, but they’re far from pet-friendly.

Plants to Avoid

• Poinsettias: Can cause mild stomach upset if ingested.
• Mistletoe and Holly Berries: Toxic to pets if eaten, causing vomiting or diarrhoea.
• Lilies: Highly toxic to cats, causing kidney failure even with small exposure.

How to Protect Your Pet

• Keep Plants Out of Reach: Place them on high shelves or use artificial, pet-safe versions.
• Use Faux Greenery: Realistic faux plants are a safer option for pet-friendly homes.

5. Candles, Lights, and Electrical Cords

The glow of festive lights and candles creates a magical atmosphere, but for pets, they present new hazards.

Potential Dangers

• Burns: Pets can accidentally knock over candles or burn themselves on hot wax or flames.
• Chewed Cords: Puppies and kittens may chew on fairy light cables, risking electrocution.

How to Protect Your Pet

• Switch to LED Candles: These are safer than real flames and still create a cozy glow.
• Use Cord Protectors: Cover exposed electrical cords or hide them out of sight.
• Supervise Open Flames: Never leave pets unattended around lit candles or fireplaces.

If you’re preparing your home for winter, you might also enjoy our Winter Survival Guide: 10 Essential Tips to Keep Your Pet Safe and Comfortable for even more pet safety advice.

6. Guests and Changes to Routine

More guests in the home can create stress for pets who thrive on routine and familiarity.

How to Recognize Pet Stress

• Hiding or retreating to quiet spaces.
• Pacing, drooling, or excessive barking.
• Changes in appetite or toileting habits.

How to Reduce Stress for Pets

• Create a Safe Space: Set up a quiet, cozy retreat where pets can escape if they feel overwhelmed.
• Keep Routines Consistent: Stick to your pet’s regular feeding, walk, and play schedules.
• Provide Calming Aids: Products like pheromone diffusers can help reduce anxiety.

If you’re curious about how pets can benefit mental health and emotional well-being, read our blog on Cats and Dogs for Mental Health: Exploring the Benefits. You’ll discover just how much our pets do for us - especially during busy holiday seasons.

7. What to Do in an Emergency

Despite our best efforts, accidents can happen. Knowing what to do - and having access to help - can make all the difference.

Signs Your Pet Needs Urgent Help

• Choking or signs of intestinal blockage.
• Ingesting toxic substances like chocolate, xylitol, or antifreeze.
• Severe vomiting, lethargy, or seizures.

What to Do Next

1. Stay calm: Your pet will sense your anxiety, so staying calm helps keep them calm.
2. Call Paws in the City: Our emergency line is open 24/7 to offer advice or guide you to immediate care.

Conclusion

The festive season should be a time of joy for the whole family - including your pets! By taking a few extra precautions with decorations, food, and guests, you can create a pet-safe holiday environment. If you ever find yourself unsure about a situation or need emergency support, Paws in the City is here to help, day or night.

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