Holidays are a time for gratitude, good food, and gathering with loved ones — including our pets! With all the excitement, it’s easy to overlook some hidden holiday hazards. Here are some essential tips to keep your dogs and cats safe and comfortable this holiday season.
Be Careful With Table Scraps
Those puppy-dog eyes can be very convincing, but many holiday foods can upset your pet’s stomach or even be dangerous.
Avoid giving pets:
- Turkey bones (they can splinter and cause choking or internal injury)
- Fatty skin and gravy (can trigger pancreatitis)
- Onions, garlic, leeks, and chives
- Grapes and raisins
- Chocolate and desserts containing xylitol
If you want to treat your pet, stick to plain, cooked turkey meat (no seasoning), or offer their favorite safe treats.
Secure the Trash
Holiday leftovers smell irresistible to pets. Keep trash tightly sealed or outside where curious noses can’t reach. Ingestion of bones, string from turkey roasting, or spoiled food can lead to serious emergencies.
Watch Out for Holiday Décor
Festive decorations may look like toys to pets. Keep the following out of reach:
- Candles
- Strings, ribbons, and twine
- Centerpieces with small or fragile pieces
- Toxic plants like lilies or certain holiday arrangements
Mind the Front Door
With guests coming and going, it’s easy for a pet to slip out unnoticed. Consider:
- Keeping pets in a quiet room during busy times
- Double-checking that they are wearing updated ID tags and microchip info
Create a Pet-Friendly Space
The excitement of guests, noise, and new smells can be overwhelming. Give your pet a cozy, quiet space with:
- Their bed
- Fresh water
- A favorite toy
- Calming music or a white-noise machine
This helps reduce stress and prevents anxious behaviors.
Pet-Safe Ways to Include Them in the Feast
If you’d like to treat your pet to something special, consider:
- A small amount of plain turkey breast
- Steamed green beans (no seasoning)
- Plain pumpkin purée (not pie filling)
Or prepare a special holiday-themed pet treat ahead of time!
Know Emergency Contacts
Accidents happen — especially during busy holidays. Make sure you have:
- Your regular veterinarian’s holiday hours
- The nearest 24-hour emergency hospital phone number
- Poison Control Hotline: (888) 426-4435