Festive but Dangerous: Holiday Hazards Every Pet Owner Should Know
Imagine turning your back for just a second during a holiday gathering, only to see your pet eyeing a dropped piece of chocolate or swatting at a string of tinsel. Suddenly, the festive mood shifts to worry. The holidays are a wonderful time, but they also introduce hazards into your home that can be irresistible and risky for your pet. Knowing which common seasonal items pose a threat, from certain treats to decorative accents, is the first step in protecting your pet and keeping your celebrations joyful and accident-free.
At Animal Hospital Southwest, we’ve seen our fair share of holiday mishaps because as much as pets are family, they also have the curiosity of toddlers and no sense of what’s dangerous to them. Routine preventative care can help spot and prevent issues before they escalate, especially during busy seasons when distractions are at their peak.
So before the decorations go up, let’s talk about how to keep your pets safe, healthy, and part of every joyful (and drama-free) memory this year.
The Joy and Hidden Risks of Holiday Celebrations with Pets
The holidays bring family, food, and sparkle, but for our pets, they also bring strange smells, overwhelming guests, shiny things to chew on, and foods they really shouldn’t eat. From twinkling lights to tasty leftovers, every pet parent should have a game plan to keep their companion safe through the celebrations.
If you need a quick seasonal refresher, these holiday pet-safety tips cover many of the big ones, but we’re adding some local expertise and our own holiday tales from Fort Worth’s favorite furry patients.
Common Holiday Hazards for Pets
Decorations and Pets: Sparkly but Sneaky
We get it. Tinsel, ribbons, and glittery ornaments scream “festive.” But for pets, they scream “chew toy!” A swallowed ribbon or ornament hook can cause intestinal blockages that require emergency surgery. Candles and electrical cords are equally risky. One curious sniff or paw-swipe can end in burns or shocks. A wagging tail can knock a candle over in an instant and cause a fire- especially dangerous with live trees in the home.
Our advice? Decorate higher, add baby gates around the tree, supervise playtime near decorations, and maybe skip the tinsel altogether (your cat will thank you later).
Toxic Plants and Pets: Pretty but Problematic
Holiday classics like poinsettias, holly, lilies, and mistletoe may look beautiful on the mantle, but they can cause drooling, vomiting, or worse if ingested. Always double-check your seasonal greenery against this list of toxic and non-toxic plants before bringing them home. If your pet does snack on any holiday plants, prompt treatment can prevent issues like kidney failure.
Consider opting for silk or plastic versions of holiday plants for a safer display. Even non-toxic bouquets are often covered in pesticides. If you have a live tree, keep pets away from the water basin. Stagnant tree water can contain bacteria and preservatives that upset the stomach. Adding a tree skirt can also deter cats from climbing or dogs from investigating.
Festive Foods and Pets: A Recipe for Trouble
Chocolate, alcohol, grapes, and unbaked dough all top the “naughty list” for pets. Xylitol, found in sugar-free candies, is especially dangerous. Rich, fatty foods can also lead to pancreatitis in pets, a painful and potentially life-threatening condition. Be sure to keep pets out of trash cans, and train your guests to keep their treats to themselves.
Leftovers should never be shared, no matter how convincing those puppy-dog eyes may be. Bones, skewers, and packaging can splinter or cause choking and blockages. If your pet snags something they shouldn’t, call your veterinarian immediately or reach out to poison control for pets for guidance. You can also bookmark our emergency services page– we’re here to help.
Safe Swaps: Festive Alternatives for Your Pet
Try battery-operated candles, soft felt ornaments, or chew-safe decorations instead of breakables. And don’t forget pet-safe stocking stuffers. Your dog would rather have a squeaky toy than your grandmother’s antique angel figurine anyway. (Oh, and keep those wrapping bows and ribbons far, far away from your cat. Trust us. We’ve seen things.)
Holiday Gatherings: Keeping the Party Pet-Friendly
The holidays aren’t just loud for humans. Our pets feel the energy too. Between visitors, doorbells, and new smells, it’s easy for even calm pets to get overstimulated. Even the calmest pet can behave differently when the environment changes. Rearranging furniture for decorations, moving their bed, or kids running through the house on a sugar-high can add stress. Knowing your pet’s body language and stress signals, such as pacing, panting, or hiding, helps you spot anxiety early and prevent accidents before they happen.
Create a retreat space with cozy bedding and familiar toys, and remind guests, especially kids, that your pet’s quiet zone is off-limits. Stick to normal feeding and potty routines, and if your pet gets anxious around crowds, try calming aids like pheromones or enrichment activities before guests arrive.
During large gatherings, keep pets’ collars and ID tags on in case they slip out an open door. For extra safety, we offer microchipping– this ensures a faster reunion if they wander off.
If you’re hosting a big event, check out these pet holiday party tips to keep the festivities smooth for everyone. Our team can also guide you through behavior and anxiety management strategies tailored to your pet’s personality. If you know your pet will be stressed, consider boarding them at Animal Hospital Southwest to prevent problems altogether.
Holiday Treats and Gift Safety for Your Pet
What’s a holiday without treats? Just remember, not everything on the table or under the tree is pet-approved. Stick to pet-safe holiday treats that are low-fat and easy on digestion.
When it comes to gifts, focus on durability and fun. There are great guides for pet-safe holiday gifts, or you can make pet toys on your own; it can be a blast.
Avoid toys with small parts or loose stuffing that can be swallowed, and supervise play with new toys to make sure they’re durable enough for your pet’s size and chewing style. While gifting a giant bone or antler to chew on seems like a great way to keep your dog busy, there’s also a high risk of fracturing teeth. Stick with VOHC- approved chews to be safe.
(Just remember: if it squeaks, glows, or jingles, assume your pet will either fear it or claim it as their new best friend- whether it’s meant for them or not!)
Traveling with Pets During the Holidays
Whether you’re heading across Fort Worth or cross-country, traveling with pets takes planning. Use a crash-tested carrier or harness, keep microchip info current, and pack their usual food and medication. Bring their favorite toy or blanket to help them feel secure on the road.
For longer trips, schedule a quick preventative care visit to make sure your pet’s vaccines and travel paperwork are up-to-date. For extra peace of mind, review this guide to stress-free holiday travel with pets.
If your pet gets motion sickness or anxiety while traveling, your veterinarian can recommend medications or supplements to help. Be sure to plan pet-friendly stops, and never leave your pet unattended in a car. Even in winter, temperatures can fluctuate dangerously fast.
Emergency Preparedness During the Holidays
Even with the best precautions, emergencies can happen, especially when clinics close for the holidays or winter weather sets in. We recommend assembling a simple pet emergency kit: a few days’ worth of food and water, medications, first-aid supplies, vaccination records, and your veterinarian’s contact info.
Know the signs that mean your pet needs immediate care, such as vomiting, bloat, or breathing problems. Review general winter safety tips for pets so you’re prepared if something unexpected happens.
If your pet does need urgent attention, our emergency team is trained to handle everything from foreign body ingestions to chocolate toxicity. Just call ahead so we can be ready for your arrival.
Celebrating Safely with the Ones You Love
The holidays should be filled with laughter, love, and maybe a few slightly embarrassing pet costumes (looking at you, Rudolph the pug). Keeping safety in mind doesn’t mean less fun, it just means fewer emergencies and more happy memories.
A quick preventive exam at our AAHA-accredited practice, a little planning, and a lot of love can make the season smooth and bright for your furry family members. If you’d like personalized advice for your pet’s holiday routine or to schedule a wellness check before things get hectic, book an appointment or contact us.
And as always, from our entire team at Animal Hospital Southwest: happy holidays, happy tails, and may your days be merry and chew-free.
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