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Holiday Safety For Pets

Holiday Pet Safety: Keeping Your Furry Friend Happy & Healthy

The holiday season is a time for joy, celebration, and spending quality time with loved ones—including your pets! While festive decorations, delicious meals, and gatherings bring excitement, they can also pose hidden dangers for your four-legged family members. At Petwise, we want to help you enjoy a safe and stress-free holiday season with your pet.

Holiday Hazards to Watch Out For

Toxic Foods & Treats

While sharing holiday meals with your pet may be tempting, some festive foods can be harmful—even deadly.

Avoid feeding your pet:

  • Chocolate & Caffeine – Contains theobromine, which is toxic to dogs and cats.
  • Xylitol (Birch Sugar) – Found in sugar-free sweets, it can cause life-threatening low blood sugar.
  • Grapes, Raisins & Currants – Even one can trigger kidney failure in dogs.
  • Cooked Bones – Can splinter, causing choking or serious internal injuries.
  • Onions, Garlic & Chives – Can cause anemia and digestive issues.
  • Macadamia Nuts – Toxic to dogs, causing weakness, tremors, and vomiting.
  • Alcohol & Raw Dough – Yeast fermentation produces toxic alcohol, which can lead to serious illness.

Instead, opt for pet-safe holiday treats like plain, unseasoned turkey, pumpkin, or small amounts of cooked sweet potato.

Holiday Plants: Which Are Safe & Which Are Not?

Many traditional holiday plants are toxic to pets if ingested. Keep these out of reach:

Toxic Plants:

  • Holly – Can cause vomiting and diarrhea.
  • Poinsettias – Mildly toxic but can cause stomach upset.
  • Mistletoe – May lead to digestive distress and, in severe cases, heart issues.
  • Lilies – Extremely toxic to cats, even in small amounts.
  • Ivy – Can lead to vomiting, drooling, and digestive problems.

If you love decorating with greenery, consider pet-safe alternatives such as spider plants, Christmas cactus, or artificial arrangements.

Keeping Your Christmas Tree & Decorations Pet-Safe

Holiday trees and decorations can be irresistible to pets—especially curious cats! To prevent accidents:

Secure the Tree – Use a sturdy base to prevent tipping. If possible, place it in a corner away from furniture that could serve as a launchpad for playful pets.
Decorate Smartly – Place fragile ornaments, tinsel, and lights higher up to prevent chewing or accidental ingestion.
Cover the Water Bowl – If you have a real tree, the water may contain pesticides or chemicals that are toxic to pets.
Keep Gifts Out of Reach – Ribbons, bows, and wrapping materials can cause choking or digestive issues if swallowed.

If your cat loves climbing, provide an alternative like a cat tree or give them a new toy to distract them from the holiday décor!

Fire & Candle Safety

Nothing sets a cozy holiday mood like candles and fireplaces, but open flames pose serious risks to curious pets.

Keep these safety tips in mind:

  • Use fireplace screens to protect pets from burns.
  • Place candles on high shelves out of reach.
  • Consider flameless LED candles for a safer alternative.
  • Be cautious with potpourri burners & essential oils, as some oils are toxic to pets.

Minimizing Holiday Stress for Pets

While holidays bring joy, they can also stress pets due to changes in routine, loud noises, or new visitors.

Tips to keep your pet calm:
✔ Maintain their routine – Keep meal times, walks, and play sessions consistent.
✔ Provide a quiet space – If hosting guests, set up a safe retreat where your pet can relax.
✔ Use pet-calming products – Consider calming sprays, treats, or pheromone diffusers for anxious pets.
✔ Avoid loud or moving decorations – Some pets may be startled by inflatable decorations or flashing lights.

If your pet experiences severe anxiety, talk to your Petwise about additional stress-reducing strategies.

Emergency Preparedness & Veterinary Care

If your pet ingests a toxic substance or exhibits signs of distress, contact your veterinarian immediately. Symptoms may include:

  • Vomiting or diarrhea
  • Lethargy or weakness
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Seizures
  • Excessive drooling or pawing at the mouth

In case of an emergency, we recommend keeping our contact information handy along with details for your nearest 24/7 emergency veterinary hospital.

Wishing You & Your Pets a Safe & Happy Holiday!

At Petwise, we are here to help you keep your pet safe, healthy, and happy throughout the holiday season and beyond.

Need an appointment before the holidays? Contact us today to schedule a wellness check for your pet!

From all of us at Petwise, we wish you a joyful and safe holiday season!