TXK 411
Holiday Pet Safety Guide
The holidays bring joy and potential hazards for our pets. Here is how to keep your furry family members safe this season.
While the dishes we serve our loved ones may be delicious, our pets’ stomachs are not designed for holiday menus. At Westridge, we often see a wave of “post-holiday” tummy troubles. The holidays are the most common times we treat pets for gastritis, colitis, and pancreatitis, which can be caused by the well-intentioned sharing of festive foods. By taking a few simple precautions, you can prevent emergency vet visits and keep your pets healthy through the holidays.
Holiday Decor Hazards
Decorations pose several risks to curious pets.
Tinsel, ribbons, and ornaments—Cats especially love to play with stringy things but swallowing them can cause intestinal blockages. Keep decorations out of reach.
Lights and cords—Tape down or cover cords to prevent chewing and electrical burns.
Tree safety—Anchor your Christmas tree securely; curious pets can knock it over. Avoid adding aspirin or preservatives to tree water, as they can be toxic.
Candles and wax warmers—Never leave them unattended; wagging tails and curious noses can cause burns or fires.
Festive Foods to Avoid
Your pet’s digestive system isn’t built for holiday fare. The simplest approach is to stick to your pet’s normal diet. It may seem unkind to say no, but your pet’s health is worth it. Here are the foods most likely to cause trouble.
Toxic foods—Chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, and xylitol (found in sugar-free candies and gum). Even small amounts can cause serious illness.
Fatty or spicy foods—Gravy, ham drippings, and turkey skin can trigger pancreatitis, a painful inflammation of the pancreas that often requires emergency treatment.
Bones—All bones, especially cooked ones, can splinter and cause choking or intestinal injury.
Alcohol—Small amounts can cause vomiting, dangerously low blood sugar, and seizures.
Cold Weather Safety
Winter poses additional challenges for pets.
Limit outdoor time—Short-haired, elderly, or small pets get cold quickly. Use sweaters or jackets if needed.
Check paws—Ice, salt, and antifreeze residue can irritate pads or be toxic if licked off.
Antifreeze alert—Even a few drops can be deadly. Clean up spills immediately and opt for pet-safe brands.
Shelter for outdoor pets—Provide insulated housing, fresh (unfrozen) water, and bedding.
Stress and Routine
The holidays can overwhelm pets. Maintaining normal mealtimes, walks, and play schedules helps keep pets grounded amid the chaos. These routines provide comfort and security when everything else feels hectic.
Visitors and Travel
Create a quiet space—Your furry friend must be able to retreat from guests and noise.
Update microchips and tags—With doors opening often, pets can slip out easily. Make sure identification is current.
Travel prep—Bring familiar bedding, food, and medical records if you are traveling. Keep cats in carriers and dogs secured with seatbelt harnesses.
General Holiday Health Reminders
Keep the contact information for your veterinarian and emergency clinic readily available. Call your vet for questions about what’s safe to feed, minor digestive upset, or behavioral concerns. Contact poison control or an emergency clinic if you suspect your pet has ingested something toxic, shows signs of severe distress, or has experienced an injury.
Emergency Contact Numbers
Keep these numbers handy.
Pet Poison Helpline
855-764-7561
ASPCA Poison Control Center
888-426-4435
For the sake of your pets, stick to their normal diet and consider the other tips we have listed, which are supported by the American Veterinary Medical Association and the Texas Veterinary Medical Association.
