Keep Your Dogs, Cats, and Curious Critters Safe This Season
The holidays bring sparkle, warmth, and joy—but for our pets, they also bring temptation. From twinkling lights to dangling ornaments, your home suddenly becomes a wonderland of interesting smells, shiny objects, and chewable hazards. Whether you share your home with a curious cat, a playful dog, or a mischievous small pet, taking time to pet-proof your decorations helps ensure everyone enjoys a safe, stress-free season.
Here’s how to protect your furry family members when decking the halls this year:
🎄 1. Choose Pet-Safe Decorations
Some holiday décor looks beautiful but can pose a risk to pets.
Avoid:
- Tinsel and garlands
Cats especially love to bat at and chew these long, sparkly strands. If swallowed, tinsel can cause dangerous intestinal blockages that require emergency surgery. - Glass ornaments
They can shatter easily, cutting paws or getting lodged in mouths.
Choose Instead:
- Shatterproof or soft ornaments (felt, wood, fabric)
- Ribbon alternatives that don’t shed
- Plastic or fabric garlands instead of tinsel
🕯️ 2. Keep Lights and Cords Out of Reach
Cats may nibble; dogs may chew—holiday lights and cords can be a shock hazard.
Tips:
- Use cord protectors or bitter-tasting deterrent sprays
- Keep cords off the ground where possible
- Secure lights tightly to reduce dangling movement
- Unplug decorations when not home
🌲 3. Secure Your Christmas Tree
Cats love to climb. Dogs love to investigate. And both can knock over a tree.
Tree Safety Tips:
- Anchor your tree with a stable base or wall tether
- Avoid placing climbing-friendly furniture nearby
- Place fragile ornaments higher, out of paw reach
- If you have a real tree, block access to the water reservoir to prevent pets from drinking it—tree water can contain fertilizers, mold, or bacteria
💐 4. Watch Out for Toxic Plants
Many holiday plants are festive—but not pet-friendly.
Unsafe for pets:
❌ Poinsettias (mildly toxic)
❌ Mistletoe
❌ Holly
❌ Lilies (extremely dangerous to cats)
Safe alternatives:
✔️ Christmas cactus
✔️ Rosemary topiaries
✔️ Faux floral arrangements
🍬 5. Protect Gifts, Treats & Food
Scented items attract curious snouts.
Tips:
- Keep food-based gifts off the floor and away from pets
- Avoid wrapping with edible ribbons (like string or yarn)
- Do not leave chocolate, candy canes, or xylitol-containing items where pets can reach them
- Store pet gifts out of sight until you’re ready to supervise the fun
🔥 6. Be Cautious with Candles & Scents
- Place candles high and never leave them burning unattended
- Avoid essential oils like tea tree, eucalyptus, cinnamon, and peppermint—they’re toxic to cats and can irritate dogs
- Choose pet-safe diffusers or stick with unscented décor
🎁 7. Create a Quiet Space for Overstimulated Pets
With guests, noise, and new smells, the holidays can be overwhelming.
Offer pets a:
- Cozy bed
- Quiet corner or crate
- Favorite toy or chew
- Escape route from the excitement
A calm pet is less likely to get into mischief.
🐾 Final Thoughts
Pet-proofing your home during the holidays doesn’t mean sacrificing festive cheer—it simply means decorating with awareness, creativity, and love. With a few simple precautions, your home can stay beautifully decorated and safe for every wagging tail, twitching whisker, and curious little wheek.
Wishing you and your pets a safe, sparkling, and joy-filled holiday season. 🌟💚