The holiday season has finally arrived. To make this magical time a true moment of joy for the whole family, including your dog and cat, it’s important to keep their safety and well-being in mind.
Between the decorations, gatherings, and festive meals, some situations can be challenging for our pets. That’s why we’ve put together this practical guide with five essential tips to help you enjoy a safe, happy, and stress-free holiday season with your loyal companions.
1. Decorations
The Christmas tree, lights, and decorations are all part of the holiday magic. But for our dogs and cats, this festive setting can also spark a lot of curiosity and sometimes a bit of mischief.
Pay special attention to the bottom of the tree, which often attracts pets. Avoid placing fragile ornaments, ribbons, or shiny decorations within their reach, as your companion might be tempted to grab or chew them. Instead, choose sturdy, pet-safe ornaments and hang them higher up in the tree. Tinsel, garlands, and electrical cords should also be kept out of reach, as they can be hazardous if chewed or swallowed. To prevent any accidents, make sure your tree is stable, since sometimes a single curious paw is all it takes to make it wobble.
By choosing safe decorations and staying alert, you can enjoy a festive and worry-free home that keeps the whole family happy, pets included.
2. Visitors
Your dog or cat is at home. They are used to their surroundings and sometimes take a dim view when strangers show up. When you're having a party, let them meet guests at their own pace and make sure they have access to a quiet place where they'll feel safe.
As for your dog, they may feel intimidated and bark more than they usually do. Take the time to comfort them — they’ll be back to their normal self in no time! And don’t forget that your cat’s litter box must be placed in a quiet area. They enjoy their privacy!
Also read: Holiday season and dogs: Tips and advice for managing their anxiety
3. Food
All too often we forget that certain foods are harmful to animals. Both we and our visitors sometimes want to spoil our pets by giving them table scraps. Certain foods must be completely banned from your pet's diet. These include chocolate, grapes and onions. All forms of sugary treats should also be avoided.
Never give your pet a bone from a turkey or chicken. These bones have a tendency to break up, leaving long sharp pieces which can damage your pet’s digestive system. Instead, give your dog a bone to chew on to keep him busy during mealtime, or give your cat their usual treats. They'll enjoy it and it'll be risk-free for them.
4. Gifts
Placed under the tree, they will delight young and old alike. But they will also pique the interest of pets, who can easily chew on their ribbons and paper. To avoid that, put your presents high up or take them out at the last minute and under close supervision. There also are products that repel animals, such as indoor repellent lotion for cats and dogs, which are effective and harmless. This way, both your gifts and your pet will stay safe!
5. Christmas plants
Christmas plants add a festive touch to our homes, but many of them can be dangerous for dogs and cats. Poinsettias (Christmas stars), mistletoe, holly, and lilies are among the most common holiday plants and can cause symptoms such as vomiting, irritation, or digestive issues if ingested.
As a preventive measure, always keep these plants out of your pet’s reach, especially cats, who are often drawn to their leaves and flowers. If your companion shows any unusual signs after contact or ingestion, contact your veterinarian or an animal poison control center immediately.
When the holidays are over
Clean-up time is here! If you have a real Christmas tree, make sure no pine needles are left behind: they can easily be swallowed by your pet, leading potentially to a number of issues. In case of emergency, contact your vet as soon as possible.
Holidays are an amazing time of year, full of cheer and joy. Following these simple steps will help ensure a peaceful holiday season for yourself, your loved ones, and your pets!
