Keeping your pets safe (and calm) this holiday season

The holiday season may be magical for some humans, but for pets it only means confusion, changed routines, overstimulation, extra noise, guests or pet sitters come and go, and sometimes the festive season means danger for pets.

Whether you share your home with a dog, cat, bunny, bird, hamster, fish, tortoise, or another small companion, a little preparation and thoughtfulness can make the holidays safer and calmer for everyone. Because, let's face it, for pets Christmas and New Year's is a time they have to survive.

Decorations - these can be risky for pets

Let's begin with holiday decorations. These can be irresistible to some curious pets. Fairy lights, ornaments, ribbons, and sometimes a tree that invites cats to a little indoor climbing adventure. Decorations can look like toys. However, many of them pose choking, ingestion, or electrocution hazards. When you choose your decoration you must think if they are safe for your pet. You can do a quick Google search if you are in doubt. Better safe than sorry. Secure the Christmas trees so they --especially cats-- can’t tip over if climbed or bumped. You most likely have seen YouTube shorts showing how easy it is for a cat to bring a tree down. But the worst is that the cat can be left trapped and wounded under the fallen tree, or worse. Also, avoid glass ornaments at pet level.

Keep fake snow, tinsels, and hooks well out of reach of your pet. Protect all electrical cords with covers (you can buy them on Temu or Amazon) or tape them down. This is especially important if you have a pet rabbit and you have not provided enough enrichment and chewing toys which are paramount for the teeth of the rabbit that needs to always chew something to wear his constantly growing teeth. This is important for all small pets --rabbits and rodents-- and you have to double-check that no dangling decor is near the mice and rats enclosure since they will try to chew it. If you have birds, be mindful about shiny, reflective decorations and candles because these can be especially dangerous.

Festive foods - not even “just a bite” is safe for pets

Holiday meals are full of foods that pets should never eat. Chocolate, onions, garlic, raisins, grapes, alcohol, xylitol (a common sweetener), cooked bones, and fatty leftovers can all be harmful, or even life-threatening for your pet. This, during a time when finding an open vet hospital or an available vet is close to mission impossible, not to mention the little fortune you will have to pay.

If you have guests, ask them not to feed your pets, no matter how cute they look. Before dinner is served, make sure your pets are well fed first. You could provide pet-safe treats so your furry companion doesn’t feel left out. For herbivores such as rabbits and guinea pigs, sudden diet changes can cause serious digestive issues. Be careful, since whilst you are preparing food in the kitchen your pets can be around looking at the opportunity to steal something from the counter, something that can be dangerous if they eat it.

Guests, noise, and overstimulation

Perhaps some dogs enjoy parties and to have strangers around. But that’s not true to all pets. Loud music, doorbells, unfamiliar people, and excited, crying children can cause anxiety, stress, and fear, especially for smaller or prey animals. Make sure you create a specially quiet, safe space where your pet can retreat undisturbed. Let guests know which pets like interaction and which don’t. Keep doors closed to prevent accidental escapes.

Consider background white noise such as relaxing music for pets (on YouTube: relaxing music for cats, dogs, guinea pigs, rabbits) for pets sensitive to sound and loud, unfamiliar noises. Stress in pets can show up in subtle ways such as hiding, refusing food, over-grooming, or unusual aggression. Stay alert and respect those signals your pet is sending.

Travel and routine change

If you are travelling with your pet, make sure you do enough research for a pleasant and safe journey for your pet. Make sure carriers, harnesses, and identification are secure and up-to-date. If you are leaving your pets at home, arrange responsible pet care with someone who knows about pets and knows their routine. Leave clear written instructions for feeding, cleaning, and vet emergency contacts.

Keep lighting and temperature consistent and constant, especially for reptiles and small mammals. Pets thrive on routine and even small disruptions can affect their wellbeing. Don’t just think that the pets will be alright to feel better. Both their physical and emotional wellbeing matter.

Candles, scents, fires, and fireworks

Candles, essential oils, incense, and fireplaces can be hazardous for both humans and pets, but especially for the innocent pets who accidentally can get too close to them. Never leave open flames unattended; keep candles well away from tails, feathers, and curious noses. Be extra cautious with scented products if you have any; essential oils are toxic for pets, particularly for cats, birds, and rabbits. Opt for pet-safe alternatives like LED candles when possible and try to always avoid air-fresheners, incense, and scents, these are especially toxic for pets.

New Year’s eve is especially stressful and scary for most pets due to the fireworks (I wish they would be banned). Make sure your pet has access to safe places to hide, play some relaxing music for pets, and perhaps get some Pet Remedy to help with stress and anxiety.

Watch, adapt, and enjoy

Watching your pet is the most important rule. Observe your pet to learn normal behaviour and notice immediately when there is a small change. Small changes matter. Small pets, particularly rabbits, are masters hiding discomfort, illness, and pain and since they are not vocal you can only rely on observation and the knowledge you have acquired through your own research.

Remember that you know your pet’s personality best. What delights one animal may overwhelm another. By planning ahead and making small adjustments, you can enjoy the holidays knowing your pets are safe, comfortable, and loved, which is, after all, what matters most when you have a pet at home.

Helpful resources

ASPCA - Holiday Safety Tips for Pets

RSPCA - Christmas Hazards for Pets

American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) - Pet Safety

House Rabbit Society - Holiday Care Tips

Pet Poison Helpline - Toxic Foods and items