Christmas safety tips for pets: a vet's advice

As the festive season approaches, it's time to deck the halls and spread the holiday cheer. But amidst the twinkling lights and mistletoe, it’s crucial to remember our furry family members. 

Christmas can be a whirlwind of activity and excitement, but for our pets, it can also be a time of stress. So, grab a cuppa, snuggle up with your four-legged friend, and let’s dive into making this festive season a joy for everyone in the family – paws included!

Christmas hazards for pets: a vet's advice

Here are the main things to look out for:

Make a plan

To minimise stress, plan ahead. If you know you’re going away, make sure they’re used to the place or kennel they’ll be staying at, they're familiar with their pet sitter, or are accustomed to travelling in the car with you. 

Christmas pet safety is all about education and planning, so don't leave things to the last minute.

Keep an eye out for hazards

With new toys abound, Christmas decor running rampant throughout the house and festive human foods/treats being consumed - eating things they shouldn’t often jump to the top of your pet's to-do list. 

Owners need to be diligent about minimising these hazards, which can be done. Think about where the decor is kept and what's reachable to pets. If in doubt, aim higher! Place baubles high up your tree and try to keep decorations away from the floor – mantle pieces and window sills are a great choice (unless your cat is an adventurer).

Hazards include:

Candles

Gah, this one's tough. Candles are so cosy! Unfortunately, they can pose a burn risk and can be easily knocked over by wagging tails or curious kittens. And that could result in some pretty uncosy emergency scenarios.

Consider using flameless candles to keep the glow and your pet safe. Bake biscuits and use diffusers (out of reach, of course) if you're missing those holiday scents!

Tinsel, garlands, and lights

Typical holiday decorations can be irresistible to curious pets. Unfortunately, swallowing tinsel or chewing on lights not only dampens the festive spirit but can lead to serious health issues and an un-holly-jolly emergency vet visit.

Keep decking the halls, but consider replacing potentially dangerous decorations (glass ornaments, for instance) with more pet-friendly ones. If you have £70 to spare, please buy this felted cat Christmas tree and send us pics. There’s even this Gingerbread House cat scratcher, or this adorable sprout hideaway.

Toys and wrapping ribbons

If you've ever had a present-opening session with kids, you'll know how quickly things can get messy. Those tiny bits from toys and wrapping materials can end up scattered everywhere.

And for our pets, these small parts can be more than just a nuisance; they're a choking hazard and can cause serious intestinal problems. Definitely not the kind of festive fun we want!

If you're keen on having your pets be part of the gift-wrapping or unwrapping excitement but worry they might munch on everything in sight, here's a tip: Tire them out first with a good walk or playtime. Keep them by your side during the festivities, and make sure to clean up as you go.

Rawhide treats

A note about those tempting rawhide bones decked out with ribbons: yes, they'd look super cute in your dog's stocking or under the tree. But it's better to avoid them.

Rawhide can be rough on your dog's stomach and may lead to blockages or other digestive issues - a consensus among many veterinarians.

Your pup or cat can still have treats this year! There are plenty of safe rawhide alternatives out there, and you could always make your own healthy dog treats.

Glass ornaments

Those vintage glass ornaments? Absolutely stunning. But if you've got curious cats or dogs like I do, they'll find them just as irresistible. They'll try every trick in the book to nab these delicate and very breakable beauties, especially if they're hanging low.

Buy unbreakable ornaments and hang them higher on your tree. Opt for those that aren't overly sparkly or enticing to pets (looking at you, feathered bird ornaments). Many determined pets can still find a way to nosh on your gnome ornament, but it may at least lessen the more immediate risk of broken glass and little bean toes.

Know your Christmas toxins

Poinsettias, holly, mistletoe and amaryllis

While poinsettias get a bad rap, holly, mistletoe, and amaryllis are the real culprits to watch out for. Even small amounts can be dangerous, so put them out of reach, or try something different!

Ever wonder why every vet's office seems to have a spider plant? It’s because they are pet-safe! They're not quite traditionally festive, but you could always liven it up with a ribbon or these adorable plant baubles. Can't bear to part with tradition? These are the most convincing fake poinsettias I've found.

Fake snow

Fake snow adds a touch of winter magic to our homes, but it's not so magical for our pets. It can be toxic if they lick or eat it, and some cats seem to have a taste for it. When you can, choose decor without the frosty touch or place it well beyond their reach (though that's easier said than done).

Peppermint oil

This holiday scent is toxic for cats - even if it's just inhaled.

When diffusing essential oils like peppermint, ensure it’s in a pet-free area and your furry friend isn't showing signs of respiratory distress.

Try Frankincense oil in your diffuser. Some believe it's actually beneficial for pets. (You'll still want to keep it out of reach, by the way.)

Christmas tree safety

Getting a Christmas tree? Just be aware that your cat might turn it into their Everest, and your dog will probably treat the tree water like their personal water bowl.

And yes, both your cat and dog might eye those gnome ornaments.

The catch is that tree sap and the water in the stand can be harmful to pets. Even artificial trees have their risks (remember the bit about fake snow?).

Still want to go for it? Same. Here are some Christmas tree pet safety tips to keep a dog or cat away from your Christmas tree:

• Use a sturdy tree base to prevent tipping.

• Block access with a pet gate or pen.

• Keep enticing decorations, like tinsel and ribbons, higher up on the tree.

• Provide lots of alternative play options to distract your pet from the tree.

Keep an eye on the pies!

The major Christmas hazard for dogs and cats can be summed up in one word: food.

Lots of human foods like chocolate and raisins are toxic to pets so being sure these are kept out of reach is essential to avoiding a trip to the vet on Christmas day. And yes, this means we have to keep our eyes on both kids and eager pet grandparents trying to share their favourites with the dog. 

Pet food safety

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Enjoying a slice of watermelon and wondering if your dog can have a bite? Check out our food safety database. We're adding new foods weekly!

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Be aware of outdoor temps

While we in the UK tend to have more moderate weather, temperatures can easily dip below zero regularly in the winter. Consider coats and boots outdoors especially for higher-risk pets when it's chilly (such as puppies, seniors, lean breeds, small breeds, and those with short thin haircoats) and familiarise yourself with signs of hypothermia in pets. 

Ice and snow

Winter walks are incredibly beneficial for you and your dog (or even cat), but you'll need to take precautions. Ice melt products, salt, and antifreeze are out there, and they are toxic and irritating to your pet's frosty paws.

Use pet-friendly ice melts and clean your pet’s paws after outdoor time. Even better, get your pup - or leash-trained cat, perhaps - some boots to protect their feet from cold, snow, and ice. Bonus: You won't have to clean their feet every single time you come in from a walk.

Create a safe space

If you know you’re having guests, make sure your pets have a safe quiet space away from the (lovely) holiday chaos. A closed-off room with a bed, food, water, toys and some white noise can do wonders as a retreat for overstimulated animals.

Check-in with a professional

Consult with your vet. They can help you figure out things you can do while at home or away to help ease pet stress, including things like supplements or even prescription medications. 

Pet insurance can help you prepare for the unexpected, even at Christmas. With up to £15,000 vet fee cover, 24/7 access to professional advice with FirstVet and up to £500 of ManyPets Perks, we're there for you.

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