Drop That! Protecting Pets During the Holidays

Be proactive and create a safe environment that supports a stress-free holiday season. photo: Dr. Julie Smith

The holidays bring warmth, joy, and festive decorations into our homes, but they also bring new hazards for pets. From Christmas trees to poinsettia flowers, holiday decor and plants can be irresistible - and potentially dangerous - to curious dogs and cats. By being proactive, you can create a safe environment, allowing you and your pets to enjoy a stress-free holiday season.

Christmas Trees: How to Keep Pets Safe and Your Tree Intact

Christmas trees are often the centerpiece of holiday decor, but for pets, they can be a source of fascination and mischief. Cats, especially, may want to climb the tree, while dogs might chew on branches or drink from the water at the base. 

Here’s how to keep your tree pet-friendly:

• Secure the tree. Anchor the tree to the wall or ceiling with a fishing line to prevent it from tipping if pets decide to climb or nudge it.

• Skip chemical tree preservatives. If your tree stand contains water, avoid adding any chemical preservatives. Instead, opt for plain water and make sure it’s out of reach by covering it, raising the tree stand above your pet’s reach, or even putting a festive fence around it. Some pets find the tree water irresistible, but it may contain bacteria or traces of pesticides.

• Avoid breakable ornaments. Glass ornaments can shatter if knocked down, so place breakables high on the tree and consider pet-safe ornaments made from wood, fabric, or plastic.

Christmas Lights: Bright and Beautiful, but Potentially Hazardous

Twinkling lights are beautiful but can pose dangers if pets chew on them. Here’s how to handle holiday lighting safely:

• Cover and secure cords. Use cord covers or tape lights down to reduce access. Pets, especially teething puppies or playful cats, may chew on exposed cords, risking burns or electric shock.

• Practice battery safety. Many battery-powered lights are popular, but batteries are toxic if ingested. Keep spare batteries in a secure drawer, and check lights periodically to ensure no batteries are loose or accessible to pets.

Dangling decor can be especially hazardous. photo: Dr. Julie Smith

Tinsel and Garlands: Pretty But Dangerous

Tinsel, ribbon, and garlands add sparkle, but these string-like decorations can be extremely dangerous if ingested, especially for cats.

• Avoid tinsel and ribbon. If swallowed, tinsel can cause severe intestinal blockages that require surgery. Opt for thicker garlands that are harder to chew through or select pet-safe alternatives, like paper garlands.

• Skip the dangling decor. Pets are drawn to dangling decorations, which may lead them to paw or bite at ribbons and garlands. Place these out of reach or opt for decorations that don’t dangle.

Toxic Holiday Plants: Pretty to Look At, Harmful to Pets

While holiday plants like poinsettias and mistletoe add cheer, many are toxic to pets. Here are common plants to keep out of paw’s reach:

• Poinsettias. While its toxicity is often overstated, poinsettias can still cause mild stomach upset if ingested. Keep them out of reach to prevent any issues.

• Mistletoe. This plant can be very dangerous, causing gastrointestinal upset, low blood pressure, and, in severe cases, seizures. Consider using artificial mistletoe to keep pets safe.

• Holly and amaryllis. Both are festive yet toxic. Holly can cause vomiting, drooling, and lethargy, while amaryllis is toxic to both cats and dogs, causing vomiting, tremors, and abdominal pain.

Pet-Safe Alternatives: Decorating Without the Worry

If your pet is prone to exploring, consider opting for pet-safe decorations:

• Fabric or paper ornaments. These can be fun, colorful, and safe. Avoid glass, tinsel, or any easily breakable items.

• Pet-friendly plants. Instead of poinsettias or mistletoe, consider pet-safe plants like Christmas cactus, which can add a festive touch without the risk.

• Battery-operated LED candles. Real candles pose a fire hazard if knocked over, and scents from candles can irritate pets’ sensitive noses. Battery-operated LED candles offer a safe and attractive alternative.

Training Tips: Helping Pets Stay Safe

Teaching pets to avoid certain areas or decorations can go a long way. Positive reinforcement, distraction with toys, and gentle redirection can help.

• Set boundaries. Use baby gates to create pet-free zones, especially in areas with abundant holiday decor.

• Provide alternatives. Give your pets plenty of engaging toys to divert their attention from decorations.

• Positive reinforcement. Reward pets with treats or praise when they ignore off-limits decorations or areas.

The holidays are a time for celebration, but they come with unique risks for pets. By taking a few simple precautions, you can keep your home festive and safe for your furry friends. With mindful decoration choices and a few training tricks, you and your pets can enjoy a wonderful - and worry-free - holiday season.