A pet-proof handbook for a merry and safe holiday season

Tails of joy

Story by Bailey Gilliam

The holiday season is practically bursting at the seams with joy, laughter and a touch of chaos — especially when our beloved furry sidekicks join the festivities. Now as much as Fluffy might look dapper in a Santa hat, and Fido might fancy himself a reindeer, it’s key to keep a watchful eye amidst the Yuletide cheer. With an abundance of tempting treats, bustling humans, twinkling decorations and potential travel adventures, our four-legged friends might find themselves in a pickle — or worse, eyeing that delicious-smelling gingerbread house. And let’s be honest, an impromptu holiday-themed sprint to the vet’s office isn’t on anyone’s wish list. To keep your holidays merry, bright and vet-visit free, embrace the spirit of preparation, and keep these handy tips in mind.

Human treats are for humans, not hounds

We all adore pampering our pups, and the festive season often amplifies this desire. However, it’s crucial to resist those heart-melting puppy eyes when they beg for table scraps. Bones, for instance, may seem like a tasty treat, but they can splinter and wreak havoc on your pet’s health, potentially leading to dire consequences. Remember, our holiday feasts are usually laden with rich and indulgent foods, which, while delightful for us, can be a heavy burden on our pets’ digestive systems and might even trigger pancreatitis. Many everyday human foods, such as turkey skin, chocolate, onions, raisins and grapes, might be staples in our diets but are downright dangerous for our furry friends. When holiday celebrations are in full swing and your home becomes a bustling hub of guests, it’s time to ramp up the precautions. Kindly, but firmly, inform your guests about the pet-friendly house rules, emphasizing the importance of keeping all people food out of paw’s reach. 

Let’s get this pawty started… safely!

Holiday soirees, while filled with laughter and cheer, also can be a cacophony of unfamiliar faces and voices, potentially leaving pets feeling overwhelmed. To keep your pet’s tail wagging rather than tucked, consider creating a serene sanctuary for them to retreat to when the party gets too rambunctious. This could be anything from a cozy kennel, a secure crate or a hidden nook — anything that provides a peaceful escape. For the pets that wear their hearts on their furry sleeves, a separate room stocked with their favorite toys and a comfy bed might be the ticket to a stress-free evening. And for the party hosts among us, delegating the role of pet guardian to a trusted friend or family member can free you up to tend to your two-legged guests while ensuring your pet feels safe and loved. With the door constantly swinging open as guests arrive and depart, there’s a risk of a pet making a grand, unplanned escape. Keep a close eye on those exits, ensure your pet is micro-chipped, and double-check that their collars and ID tags are secure and up-to-date. As for the “Can Fido come too?” queries, it’s perfectly fine to play the gracious host while setting boundaries. If you’re unsure about how the pets will interact, it’s okay to politely decline, or suggest a pet meet-and-greet ahead of time. 

Jolly and bright, but pet-safe, alright

When it comes to decking the halls, electric lights add that perfect twinkle of holiday magic. However, they also bring potential hazards for our furry companions, both on and off the Christmas tree. To avoid any grisly scenes reminiscent of National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, ensure that all cords and light strands are out of reach, securely taped down or hidden away. Candles, too, while creating a warm and festive ambiance, can be an open invitation for curious pets. Ensure that no pet is ever left unattended in a room with a lit candle, as this could spell disaster and potentially start a fire. Practice candle safety and keep those flickering flames on high shelves or in lanterns out of reach from investigative paws and whiskers. 

Deck the halls, pet-proof the tree

Make sure your tree stands as sturdy as a fortress, impervious to the antics of adventurous cats or curious dogs. Secure it well to prevent any accidental toppling. And when it comes to the tree water, consider it off-limits for your pets. The water can harbor harmful bacteria or contain fertilizing chemicals that are detrimental to their health. It’s best to keep it covered or out of paw’s reach. Tinsel, while dazzling, is a no-go if you want to avoid potential chaos. It’s practically irresistible to cats, and a playful swipe could lead to a toppled tree or, even worse, a choking hazard. Ornaments, though delightful to our eyes, can look like shiny playthings to pets. To prevent any accidental injuries or ingestion, keep them out of reach, particularly the food-based and salt-dough varieties, which can be especially tempting.

Festive foliage and fur babies: A cautionary carol

While decking the halls and spreading festive cheer, it’s important to remember that not all holiday traditions are pet-friendly. So think twice before encouraging Fido or Whiskers to join in on the mistletoe tradition — mistletoe, along with a variety of other holiday plants such as amaryllis, balsam, pine, cedar and holly, can be harmful, or even toxic, to our furry friends if ingested. Poinsettias too, though stunning, can spell trouble for curious pets. To keep your holiday season merry and mishap-free, consider consulting the ASPCA’s comprehensive list of plants that are known to be toxic to dogs and cats. An excellent and safe alternative is to opt for artificial versions of these festive plants. They offer the same holiday vibe without putting your pets at risk. 

In the midst of gift-giving glory

Ribbons, bows and wrapping paper might add an extra touch of festivity, but they could lead to trouble if your furry friend decides to make a snack out of them. Ingesting these decorative items can lead to choking, internal injuries or intestinal blockages. But the risks don’t stop at the wrapping. The contents of those presents, particularly packing materials like Styrofoam peanuts or shredded paper, can pose just as much of a hazard if they end up in the wrong paws. On Christmas morning, as the wrapping paper flies and the excitement builds, keep a vigilant eye on where those festive fragments end up. Having a trash bag on hand to swiftly dispose of any potential pet temptations can save you from a post-holiday vet visit. 

Holiday hopping with pets

The holiday season often brings travel plans, and for pet owners this can mean tough decisions and meticulous planning. Before you hit the road (or the sky), take a moment to assess the safest option for your furry friend. If you’re contemplating bringing your pet along for the journey, be aware that travel can be stressful for animals and, in some cases, even dangerous. For road trips, refer to the October issue of LOCAL Life for comprehensive car safety tips tailored for pet travel. When it comes to air travel, it’s crucial to consult your veterinarian beforehand. This is especially important for breeds at higher risk, such as short-nosed dogs. Beyond the basics of food and medications, bring along copies of their medical records, materials for identification in case they get lost, a pet first-aid kit and other essential items.