The holidays are magical — twinkling lights, festive food, cozy gatherings, and a house full of cheer. But while we’re decking the halls and celebrating with loved ones, our pets can accidentally find themselves in risky situations if we’re not careful.

Dogs and cats don’t always understand which holiday traditions are harmless fun and which ones could send them to the emergency vet. A little preparation can go a long way in keeping your furry family members safe, calm, and healthy all season long.

Here’s what every pet parent should know as winter festivities begin.

Holiday Plants & Decorations: Pretty Isn’t Always Pet-Safe

A beautifully decorated home can be full of hidden dangers for curious paws and noses.

Christmas Trees
Live trees should always be securely anchored so they don’t tip over if bumped or climbed. Tree water may contain fertilizers and bacteria that can cause stomach upset if pets drink it. Keeping the base covered helps prevent spills and sneaky sips.

Mistletoe, Holly & Lilies
Many popular holiday plants are toxic to pets. Holly and mistletoe can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and even heart issues, while certain lilies are extremely dangerous for cats and can lead to kidney failure. If you want greenery without worry, opt for pet-safe plants or artificial décor.

Tinsel & Sparkly Decorations
Cats especially love shiny, string-like decorations. Unfortunately, swallowing tinsel, ribbon, or yarn can lead to dangerous intestinal blockages that often require surgery. Choosing safer ornaments and skipping tinsel altogether is the safest route.

Candles & Lights
Unattended candles can lead to burns or fires if knocked over by a curious tail. Electrical cords and batteries also pose serious risks — chewing on wires can cause electrical shock, and damaged batteries can burn a pet’s mouth and throat.

Holiday Food Dangers: When Sharing Isn’t Caring

Holiday meals are a highlight for humans, but many seasonal treats are unsafe for pets.

Chocolate, Xylitol & Sweets
Chocolate and sugar substitutes like xylitol are toxic to pets. Dogs, in particular, will go to great lengths to grab unattended desserts, so keep sweets secured and garbage cans tightly closed.

Fatty Foods & Bones
Rich, spicy foods and leftovers may seem tempting to share, but they can cause pancreatitis, choking, or intestinal damage. Bones can splinter and lead to serious internal injuries.

Alcoholic Drinks
Even small amounts of alcohol can be extremely dangerous for pets, potentially leading to weakness, illness, coma, or respiratory failure. Keep drinks well out of reach and never leave them unattended.

Safer Ways to Spoil Your Pets

Want to include your pet in the holiday fun? Choose gifts and treats designed with safety in mind.

Durable chew toys, food-stuffed enrichment toys, and vet-approved treats are great options. For cats, avoid toys with strings or loose parts and choose larger balls, catnip toys, or interactive play items instead.

Creating a Calm, Pet-Friendly Holiday Gathering

With guests coming and going, your pet may feel overwhelmed — especially if they’re shy or sensitive to noise.

Set boundaries with well-meaning guests about feeding and handling pets, and always store medications (yours and your guests’) securely. Offering your pet a quiet retreat — complete with water, bedding, and familiar comforts — can help them decompress during busy gatherings.

New Year’s Noise & Fireworks

Confetti, party poppers, and fireworks can be terrifying for pets and even dangerous if ingested. Loud noises may cause pets to panic, hide, or attempt to escape. As midnight approaches, keep pets safely contained in a quiet, escape-proof space where they feel secure.

Always Be Prepared

Even with the best precautions, accidents can happen. Keep important phone numbers easily accessible, including your veterinarian, a local emergency clinic, and animal poison control resources. Acting quickly can make all the difference if your pet ingests something harmful.

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The holidays should be joyful for every member of the family — including the four-legged ones. With a little awareness and planning, you can enjoy the season knowing your pets are safe, comfortable, and right by your side where they belong.

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