6 Tips for Keeping Your Pets Safe This Holiday Season

The holidays are typically a happy and joyous time of year, but they can also be stressful and overwhelming for those pet owners who worry about the safety of their furry companions during this busy season. The holidays are filled with lots of exciting activities, people coming over and new smells that can be overwhelming for animals. Keep your pets safe during these hectic times by following these simple tips.

1) Keeping gifts in a safe place

Make sure you keep all your gifts out of reach of pets. Those cute, cuddly pets are more than likely to shred any wrapping paper they can get their paws on, so it’s best to keep them safe in a locked closet or Tupperware container. If this isn’t possible, keep them out of reach. 

2) Things to keep away from pets

Giving your furry friend something to eat while you’re preparing Christmas dinner? Don’t… and be careful not to give them any of your leftovers. The liver or other organ meats used in stuffing, giblets in gravy, and chocolate are all toxic to pets. Dogs can also be affected by foods that contain onions and garlic. Alcoholic beverages should also be kept away from pets. Many house plants are toxic to animals: Many plants look appealing to us humans, but can be dangerous for our furry friends (like Christmas trees). Keep all plants away from where animals may reach them; many animals like cats and birds love chewing on leaves or branches (which isn’t poisonous for most animals), but ingestion of plant material could lead to serious problems. If you’re not sure, it’s best to check first.

3) Fireworks!

Dogs and cats can be sensitive to loud noises and sudden movements. Fireworks on top of that can be terrifying. If you’re taking your pets to holiday parties or outdoor events where fireworks might go off, try some of these steps. 

You can’t always protect your pets from exposure to fireworks. If your neighbors are setting off fireworks outside, there’s not much you can do about it. But if you’re going to be taking your pets out of their homes, make sure they have some exposure to loud noises before a big event. Try playing music with lots of bass at high volumes—and throw in some sudden movements just to test how your pet reacts. Maybe practice with thunderstorms—or even just turn on heavy machinery nearby that makes lots of noise. It might seem cruel to them, but dogs and cats need to learn that loud noises aren’t deadly threats—that way they will react appropriately when exposed in stressful situations later on down the road. If at all possible, create a safe space for your pet, somewhere warm, quiet and familiar.

4) Decorations are dangerous

Christmas tree ornaments are fun, but festive lights and other decorations pose a risk to pets. Most pets love to chew on, swallow and lick objects—even items that humans find harmless. But many plants, flowers and other decorations commonly found around Christmas trees can be poisonous to pets. You should also keep an eye out for electrical lights and ornaments containing zinc-based batteries, which could give quite the shock or even leak toxic chemicals if ingested. For more information about plant toxicity in your area, contact your veterinarian’s office or local animal shelter.

5) Designated safe place for your pet.

During busy holiday times, you don’t want to have to worry about your pet getting into things that may harm them. Consider putting your pets in a room that is out of bounds, or at least having them wear tags that say do not feed so others are aware they are not welcome to interact with them.

6) Too much noise, too much fuss

The hustle and bustle of Christmas can be overwhelming for pets, who are trying to figure out why there’s a giant pine tree in your living room, a wreath on your front door and different scents in every corner. For some pets, all of these new holiday objects might induce FOMO—that’s fear of missing out. Remind your guests of your pets normal behavior. If you have a moody cat, keep her in a quieter room, with their essentials! Or if you have a super friendly dog, bring him to meet your guests, so he can make new friends.

In summary, the festive period can be quite overwhelming and if you’re like me, and you want your pets to enjoy all of Christmas’s festivities alongside you, being prepared is the best option.