12/21/2025
🎄 Making the Holidays Happy & Safe for Our Pets
The holidays bring sparkle, celebration, and plenty of excitement—but for our pets, they can also introduce unfamiliar sights, sounds, and hazards. As you deck the halls and ring in the New Year, here are some essential tips to keep your furry family members safe, healthy, and stress‑free.
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HOLIDAY HAZARDS TO WATCH OUT FOR
🎁 Toxic Treats & Festive Foods
Many classic holiday foods are dangerous for pets, including:
- Chocolate and cocoa
- Grapes and raisins
- Xylitol (found in sugar‑free candies and baked goods)
- Alcohol
- Rich, fatty foods that can cause pancreatitis
How to avoid trouble:
Keep food out of reach, remind guests not to share table scraps, and have pet‑friendly treats on hand so they don’t feel left out.
🌲 Christmas Trees & Decorations
Your tree may look magical, but it can pose risks:
- Pine needles can irritate the stomach if eaten
- Tree water may contain fertilizers or bacteria
- Tinsel, ribbon, and ornaments can cause choking or intestinal blockages
- Electrical cords can be tempting chew toys
Prevention tips:
Secure your tree, cover the water reservoir, place fragile ornaments higher up, and use cord protectors. Supervise curious pets around decorations.
🕯️ Candles & Scents
Open flames, wax warmers, and essential oils can be hazardous. Some oils—like tea tree, peppermint, and eucalyptus—are toxic to pets.
Stay safe:
Opt for flameless candles and avoid diffusing oils unless you’ve confirmed they’re pet‑safe.
🎉 New Year’s Noise & Stress
Fireworks, loud music, and parties can overwhelm pets. Anxiety may lead to shaking, hiding, or attempts to escape.
Help them stay calm:
Create a quiet, cozy space with familiar bedding, toys, and water. Play soft music or white noise. If your pet struggles with severe anxiety, talk to your veterinarian ahead of time.
