The holiday season is a magical time of year, but it can also pose significant risks to our furry friends. For many families, festive decorations and holiday traditions create a cozy atmosphere, but for curious dogs and cats, these seasonal changes can be an irresistible playground fraught with hidden dangers. As responsible pet owners, it’s essential to recognize these hazards to ensure a safe and joyful holiday for all members of the household—four-legged ones included.

Winter Holiday Hazards:

• Decorations & Display
• Tree Water
• Ornaments & Holiday Decor
• Lights & Electrical Cords
• Holiday Plants
• Wrapping Paper & Small Toys
• Behavioral Considerations
• Final Thoughts
• Learn More

Decorations & Displays

Stability Issues

An unstable holiday decoration, such as a Christmas tree or large ornament display, can be a disaster waiting to happen, especially if you have a playful cat that loves to climb or a dog that might bump into it. A falling menorah can injure your pet, damage your home, and shatter fragile items that could create additional hazards. To prevent accidents:

• Secure larger decorations with a sturdy base.
• Anchor items to the wall or ceiling using fishing line or hooks for added stability.

Tree Needles

Whether you opt for a real tree or an artificial one, the needles can be dangerous if ingested. Real pine needles can cause mouth irritation, vomiting, or even punctures in the digestive tract. Artificial needles, while not as sharp, can still pose a choking hazard or cause intestinal blockages. Regularly sweep up fallen needles to minimize risk.

Tree Water

The water in your tree stand or for decorative plants may seem harmless, but it’s often treated with preservatives, pesticides, or fertilizers to keep plants fresh. Even untreated water can harbor bacteria and mold that could make your pet sick if they decide to take a sip. To deter curious pets:

• Use a tree skirt or other coverings to shield water sources.
• Consider adding a pet-safe barrier around the base of the tree.

Ornaments & Holiday Decor

Glass & Fragile Ornaments

Delicate, shiny ornaments are highly attractive to pets but can be disastrous if they break. Sharp shards can cut paws, mouths, or even internal organs if swallowed. Opt for shatterproof ornaments, and place fragile ones higher up on display, out of reach.

Tinsel & Ribbon

Tinsel and ribbon may add sparkle to your decorations, but they’re particularly hazardous to cats. If ingested, these string-like items can cause linear foreign body obstruction, a life-threatening condition that requires emergency surgical intervention. Avoid tinsel altogether and monitor your pet closely around wrapped gifts and ribbons.

Edible Decorations

Popcorn garlands, candy canes, and chocolate ornaments look festive, and they’re irresistible to pets. Chocolate and peppermint are toxic to dogs and cats, and sugary treats can lead to gastrointestinal upset or pancreatitis. Avoid using edible decorations or hang them well out of reach.

Lights & Electrical Cords

Chewing Hazards

Twinkling lights are mesmerizing to pets, but electrical cords and bulbs pose significant risks. Chewing on cords can result in electric shocks, burns, or even electrocution. To protect your pets:

• Use cord protectors or hide cords under rugs and furniture.
• Unplug lights when you’re not supervising your pets.

Hot Bulbs

Certain types of lights can get very hot and may cause burns if a curious pet touches them. Opt for LED lights, which remain cool to the touch and are more energy-efficient.

Holiday Plants

Mistletoe & Holly

Mistletoe and holly are traditional holiday plants, but both are toxic to pets. Mistletoe can cause gastrointestinal upset, difficulty breathing, and even heart problems. Holly can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy. If you use these plants for decoration, keep them well out of reach or consider artificial versions.

Poinsettias

Though less toxic than mistletoe and holly, poinsettias can still cause mild stomach upset or mouth irritation if ingested. If you have curious pets, opt for silk or plastic poinsettias instead.

Wrapping Paper & Small Toys

Wrapping Paper & Tape

Unwrapping gifts is a fun holiday tradition, but discarded wrapping paper, ribbons, and tape can pose risks to pets. Ingesting these materials can lead to choking or intestinal blockages. Clean up immediately after gift opening to minimize the chance of accidents.

Small Toy Hazards

If your holiday includes small humans, toys or decorations with small parts will likely be around; Be mindful of where the small humans leave their toys. Small pieces can easily become choking hazards or cause intestinal blockages if pets or small children swallow them.

Behavioral Considerations

Stress & Anxiety

The holiday season can be overwhelming for pets due to increased noise, visitors, and disruptions to their routines. A stressed pet is more likely to engage in destructive behaviors like chewing or climbing. To ease their anxiety:

• Provide a quiet, safe space for your pet to retreat.
• Stick to their regular feeding and exercise schedule as much as possible.
• Use calming aids, like pheromone diffusers or anxiety wraps, if needed.

Supervision

The best way to keep your pet safe is to supervise them around holiday decorations and festivities. If you can’t keep an eye on them, consider confining them to a pet-proofed area or using a pet gate to block access to risky areas.

Final Thoughts

Holiday decorations and traditions bring joy and warmth to our homes, but they can also introduce risks for our pets. By taking a few precautionary steps, you can create a safe environment where everyone—human and animal—can enjoy the season to the fullest. With careful planning and vigilant supervision, your holidays can be merry, bright, and free of emergency vet visits!

Author: Cheryl Miller, RVT, CVBL, FFCP (Veterinary), VCC

 

 

 

 

 

Learn More

If you suspect your pet ingested a hazardous material or suffered some other emergency:

• Our clients can call within normal business hours (843) 966-3362.Outside of normal business hours, for the most immediate assistance, please call New River Veterinary Specialists at (843) 898-6787 or Carolina Veterinary Critical Care at (843) 706-9200.
• ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center  24-hour hotline at (888) 426-4435
• Pet Poison Helpline®    24-hour animal poison control service at (855) 764-7661
• ASPCA Poison Control App on iOS.

Want more? Check these out:

• See WoofDoctor on Wheels recommended:
  • Calming products for dogs here.
  • Calming products for cats here.
  • Enrichment products for dogs here.
  • Activity products for cats here.
  • Safety products for pets here.
  • Healthy dog treats here.
  • Healthy cat treats here.

• Read:
  • Common Food-Based Pet Hazards during the Holidays here.
  • How to Create a Safe Space for your dog here.
  • Everything You Need to Know About CBD for your pet here
  • How to Update Your Pet’s Microchip here.
  • How to Use Music to Calm Your Pet here.
  • More About Cat Calming Strategies here.
  • More About Dog Calming Strategies here.

If you’d like to schedule an appointment with Cheryl or discuss how to keep your pet safe and calm during the winter Holiday, please call us at (843) 966-3362 or schedule an appointment with Cheryl directly here.

 

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