Christmas Pet Safety: Protecting Your Furry Friends During the Festive Season

Christmas is a joyful time filled with lights, decorations, festive music, and delicious treats. But while the season is magical for humans, it can present a variety of hazards for our pets. Curious dogs and cats may explore decorations, snacks, or other festive items that could harm them. By taking a few proactive steps, you can ensure your pets stay safe, calm, and happy throughout the holiday season.

1. Keep Decorations Out of Reach

Christmas decorations are often irresistible to pets, especially shiny tinsel, dangling ribbons, and ornaments. If ingested or chewed, these can cause choking, intestinal blockages, or electrical shocks.

Tips to protect your pets:

• Position ornaments carefully: Avoid placing fragile or small decorations on lower branches where pets can reach them.

• Secure wires and lights: Tape down or hide electrical cords to prevent chewing, which can lead to shocks or burns.

• Tinsel caution: Cats in particular are drawn to tinsel, but ingestion can be fatal. Keep it out of reach or use pet-safe alternatives.

• Avoid hanging edible decorations: Candy canes, popcorn strings, and gingerbread ornaments may seem festive but can tempt pets to snack.

2. Beware of Toxic Festive Foods

Many holiday foods that humans enjoy are toxic to pets. Dogs and cats are especially vulnerable to chocolate, dried fruit, and rich or spiced treats.

Common dangerous foods:

• Chocolate and cocoa products — can cause vomiting, diarrhea, rapid heart rate, or seizures.

• Raisins, currants, and sultanas — even small amounts can cause kidney failure in dogs.

• Mince pies, Christmas pudding, and fatty foods — rich foods can upset digestion or lead to pancreatitis.

• Onions and garlic — can damage red blood cells.

• Alcohol — even small quantities can be toxic.

Tips to keep pets safe:

• Inform guests not to slip treats under the table.

• Store festive foods out of reach or in closed cupboards.

• Offer pet-safe festive snacks instead, like specially formulated dog biscuits or treats.

3. Create a Quiet, Safe Space

Christmas can be loud and chaotic, with visitors, music, and excited children. Pets can become anxious or stressed in unfamiliar environments.

How to make a calm holiday retreat:

• Provide a cosy bed in a quiet room away from the main festive activity.

• Ensure access to fresh water at all times.

• Include familiar toys or blankets to provide comfort.

• Consider using pheromone diffusers or calming sprays for particularly anxious pets.

4. Keep Candles and Scents Away from Pets

Decorative candles, oil burners, potpourri, and other scented items are common in festive homes but can be hazardous if knocked over or ingested.

Safety tips:

• Keep all candles, oil burners, and potpourri out of pets’ reach.

• Ensure proper ventilation if using scented products to avoid respiratory irritation.

• Never leave lit candles unattended, especially if pets are roaming freely.

• Consider battery-operated or flameless alternatives for safer decoration.

5. Stick to Routine Wherever Possible

Pets thrive on routine, and sudden changes can cause anxiety or stress.

How to maintain stability:

• Keep feeding, walking, and playtimes consistent, even during busy days.

• Avoid sudden changes in diet or skipping meals.

• Maintain regular bathroom routines, particularly for dogs, even with visitors or celebrations.

• If hosting guests, schedule quiet times where pets can retreat and rest.

Conclusion

With a bit of planning, Christmas can be safe and magical for both humans and pets. By taking precautions with decorations, food, and routines, you can reduce stress and prevent accidents during the festive season.

If you’re busy during the holiday period or need extra support with dog walking, pop-in visits, or pet care, Elliotts Pet Care Services is here to help. We’ll ensure your furry friends stay happy, healthy, and safe while you enjoy a stress-free festive season.