Making Spirits Bright: Holiday Pet Safety Tips

The holidays bring extra sparkle, new scents, and plenty of excitement—all things pets love to explore. With a little planning, you can keep the season running smoothly while still including your four-legged family members in the fun. Here’s how to make the holidays safe, festive, and stress-free for everyone. 

The Tree, The Tradition, The Temptation 

Your holiday tree is basically the Super Bowl of seasonal décor: tall, shiny, great-smelling, and full of interesting things for pets to investigate. A few simple steps help keep the tree looking picture-perfect all season long: 

• Secure the base so enthusiastic pups or curious cats can’t topple it. 
• Choose sturdier ornaments and hang fragile ones higher up. 
• Cover tree water or use a barrier — it may contain preservatives or bacteria that can upset your pet’s stomach. 
• Bundle cords along or behind the tree to keep the bottom area clear and less tempting. 

These small adjustments help your tree stay magical without becoming a climbing gym or snack spot. 

Glow Big, Stay Safe 

Holiday lights bring warmth and charm to your home. Pets tend to love them too, sometimes a little too much. A few smart placements help you enjoy the glow worry-free: 

• Run cords through covers or along walls to keep them tidy and out of the way. 
• Use adhesive hooks or clips to elevate cords instead of letting them drape on the floor. 
• Check older lights and extension cords for fraying before you plug everything in. 

Your décor stays gorgeous, your home stays festive, and your pets can admire the sparkle safely from the sidelines. 

Sleigh the Feast, Not Your Pet’s Stomach 

Holiday cooking fills the house with the best scents of the year, which means your pets will be paying very close attention. A few simple habits keep the holiday menu safe for everyone: 

• Keep serving platters and snacks higher up or on surfaces away from eager noses. 
• Store desserts and sweets securely, especially chocolates and sugar-free candies. 
• Be mindful of rich holiday favorites like gravy, turkey skin, and roasts — delicious for humans, rough on pet stomachs.
• Let guests know ahead of time that your pets aren’t part of the taste-test panel. Provide owner-approved snacks to help spread the holiday joy. 

Everyone still enjoys an amazing holiday meal, just without any unexpected tummy trouble for your pets. 

Bring On the Greenery, Keep It Merry 

Holiday greenery brings that cozy, seasonal feel, but some plants can cause digestive issues for pets. You don’t need to skip them, just be strategic: 

• Display poinsettias, mistletoe, and holly up high so pets can admire but not nibble. 
• Choose artificial greenery if you want the full decorative effect without worrying about access. 
• Skip floor-level arrangements, especially if you know your pet is a committed chewer or leaf-tester. 

Your home stays beautifully decorated and your pets stay comfortable and safe. 

A Cozy Spot for Mid-Holiday Recharge 

Between visitors, music, wrapping paper, and the general energy of the season, pets may appreciate a quiet space to unwind. You can set one up easily: 

• Pick a low-traffic corner away from main gathering spaces. 
• Add a familiar bed or blanket, plus a favorite toy. 
• Include water nearby, so they don’t have to venture back into the crowd if they’re thirsty. 
• Let guests know that this is your pet’s designated “chill zone.” 

Giving pets a place to recharge helps them enjoy the excitement without getting overwhelmed. 

Home for the Holidays — Always 

With so many guests coming and going, pets can occasionally slip outside during the bustle. A quick check now can prevent stress later: 

• Make sure ID tags are current, including your phone number. 
• Ensure your pet's microchip company has the most updated phone numbers or address.
• Double-check gates and doors before gatherings or after deliveries. 

It’s a simple way to make sure your pet stays safely where they belong — home for the holidays. 

If you need guidance or have questions about keeping your pet safe this season, we’re always here to help. Call us at (317) 516-5921. Happy Holidays from Pet Wellness Clinics!