Creating a pet-friendly home for the holidays helps ensure your dogs, cats, and other companions enjoy the season safely and comfortably. Sudden changes—new decorations, guests, unfamiliar smells and sounds—can be stressful or dangerous for pets if you don’t plan ahead. Below are practical tips to make holiday decorating and celebrating safer and more enjoyable for everyone.
While Decorating
Pet-friendly tree: Anchor your tree securely so it won’t tip if a curious pet bumps it. Place fragile or breakable ornaments well out of reach and avoid glass ornaments on low branches. Keep pets away from tree water: it can contain preservatives, fertilizers, or bacteria that may make animals sick. Create a barrier around the tree base—use a pet gate, decorative fencing, or furniture placement—to block access to the stand and water. If you use additives to extend freshness, assume they could be hazardous and keep them inaccessible to pets.
Safe plants: Choose non-toxic holiday plants when possible. Options such as Christmas cacti, spider plants, and Boston ferns provide festive greenery without the same risk as poinsettias, holly, or mistletoe, which can be harmful if eaten. Always confirm plant safety before bringing new greenery into your home; resources such as animal poison-control organizations list toxic and non-toxic plants you can consult. Monitor pets around any plant and remove or relocate anything they repeatedly nibble.
Secure wires and cords: Pets, especially puppies and kittens, may chew cords and cables. Conceal wires using cord covers, cable organizers, or plastic tubing, and tuck cords behind furniture. Consider using electrical tape or cord protectors to prevent chewing and reduce tripping hazards. If you must run extension cords, route them where they’re least accessible to pets.
Safe lighting and flames: Use LED holiday lights that produce less heat and are less likely to burn curious noses or tails. Keep cords and plugs out of reach and unplug lights when you’re not home. Avoid lit candles in pet-accessible areas—replace them with flameless candles or place real candles well out of pets’ reach to eliminate the risk of burns or house fires.
Monitor decorative accessories: Small items like tinsel, ribbon, strings, beads, and small ornaments are attractive to pets but can cause choking or intestinal blockages if ingested. Choose sturdy, non-toxic decorations and fasten them securely. Remove tempting items—tinsel and loose ribbon especially—from areas where cats or dogs roam freely. If you suspect your pet swallowed a decoration, watch for vomiting, lethargy, loss of appetite, changes in bowel movements, or signs of abdominal pain, and contact your veterinarian promptly.
While Celebrating
Avoid toxic holiday foods: Many traditional holiday foods are dangerous for pets. Chocolate, grapes and raisins, certain nuts, garlic, onions, alcohol, and foods high in fat or salt can be toxic or cause pancreatitis. Keep human food out of reach and remind guests not to feed pets from the table. Post a short list of “do not feed” items in a visible spot so friends and family follow your rules consistently.
Offer pet-safe treats: If you want your pet to share in holiday treats, use pet-safe recipes or buy veterinarian-recommended snacks. Simple homemade options with plain pumpkin, oats, or dog-safe peanut butter can work well, but avoid added sugar, chocolate, or xylitol. Prepare a small plate of approved treats for guests who might want to give your pet a snack.
Secure trash and leftovers: Holiday meals generate more waste and tempting food scraps. Use trash cans with secure lids or store garbage in cabinets or rooms pets can’t access. Dispose of bones, greasy foods, and food wrappers responsibly—these items can cause choking, blockages, or upset stomachs if scavenged.
Limit noise and stress: Parties, loud music, and unfamiliar visitors can overwhelm sensitive pets. Set up a quiet retreat—an unused bedroom or a corner with their bed, favorite toys, water, and a few familiar items—so your pet can escape the commotion. White noise, calming music, or pheromone diffusers can help mask loud sounds like fireworks or excited crowds.
Calming supplements and medications: Over-the-counter calming chews, pheromone diffusers, or supplements with ingredients such as L-tryptophan, chamomile, or other vet-approved compounds may help anxious pets. Many products work best when started 10–14 days before a stressful event. Always follow label instructions and consult your veterinarian before starting any supplement or prescription medication, especially if your pet has health conditions or takes other drugs.
Identification and escape prevention: Increased activity, open doors, and guests raise the risk a pet could slip outside. Ensure collars and ID tags are current and consider microchipping if not already done. Keep doors closed during arrivals and departures and designate someone to watch entrances during gatherings.
Every pet is different—consider your animal’s age, health, and temperament when planning holiday activities. With thoughtful preparation, you can keep decorations, food, and festivities safe so both you and your pets enjoy a calm, joyful holiday season together.