The holiday season is a busy time for many households, filled with gatherings, decorations, and seasonal activities. While these traditions can bring us together, they can also present challenges and risks for pets. With thoughtful planning and a little extra care, you can create a safe and comfortable environment for your furry family members.
Keep human food off the festive menu
While it’s tempting to let your pet share in the festive treats, human food can pose serious health risks. Many of the ingredients we enjoy, like chocolate, xylitol (found in sugar-free products), alcohol, and raisins (commonly used in mince pies and Christmas puddings), are toxic to pets.
Fatty dishes, such as ham or turkey, can lead to digestive upset or more severe conditions like pancreatitis. Bones from cooked meat are another danger—they can splinter, causing choking or internal injuries. Even nuts, particularly macadamias, and onions, can be harmful. To keep your pets safe, always discard leftovers and harmful foods securely, well out of reach.
Alarmingly, the PetSure Pet Health Monitor 2024 showed that the highest cost of treatment in 2023 for gastrointestinal issues in dogs (ages one to eight) was $20,622*.
Watch out for holiday plants
Festive flowers bring charm to the holiday season, but some plants can pose serious risks to pets, especially cats. Popular holiday choices like lilies, mistletoe, and poinsettias are toxic and can cause symptoms ranging from drooling and vomiting to, in severe cases, organ failure. To keep your pets safe, consider pet-friendly alternatives such as artificial flowers or decorations placed out of reach.
According to the PetSure Pet Health Monitor 2024, the average cost for pets ingesting foreign bodies and toxins was $1064* with the highest treatment cost being $41,671*.
Keep decorations out of reach
Holiday decorations may look beautiful to us, but to curious pets, they can seem like irresistible chew toys. Fairy lights and electric cords, for instance, can lead to electrocution or burns if chewed, so it’s important to use cord protectors and keep them out of reach. Tree decorations like tinsel, baubles, and ribbons pose choking hazards or could cause dangerous blockages if ingested.
To prevent mishaps, secure your Christmas tree and consider decorating only the upper half to deter curious paws. Additionally, small items such as kids’ toys, cracker prizes, or nails should be kept safely stored and off the ground to avoid accidental swallowing.
Protect against heat and water
In Australia, summer temperatures can pose extra risks to pets, especially those enjoying outdoor activities. Ensure your pet stays hydrated by always providing fresh water and access to a cool, shaded area to escape the heat.
If your pet joins you for water play at the beach or pool, supervise them closely and rinse them thoroughly afterward, as sand, salt water, and chlorine can irritate their ears, skin, fur, and paws. Remember to always dry your pet properly after a swim or bath to prevent ear and skin conditions and keep them comfortable.
Skip the pet costumes
While dressing up your pet for a festive photo might seem fun, most animals find costumes uncomfortable or stressful. Many outfits can restrict their movement, affect their ability to regulate body temperature, or even make breathing difficult.
Instead, opt for a lightweight holiday accessory like a festive collar or bandana to include your pet in the celebrations without causing them discomfort.
Avoid scented candles and diffusers
While scented candles and diffusers can add to the festive atmosphere, they may not be safe for pets. Many scented products contain essential oils that can be toxic to animals if ingested or inhaled. To keep your pets safe, opt for unscented candles or look into pet-safe diffusers and aromatherapy products.
Always make sure your pet has access to a well-ventilated area where they can move away from the scent if needed.
Prepare your pet for guests
Holiday festivities often bring a constant flow of visitors, which can overwhelm your pet. To help them feel safe, set up a quiet space where they can retreat if the noise and excitement become too much. Try to stick to their regular routines for feeding, walking, and bedtime to provide a sense of normalcy during the chaos. If children unfamiliar with pets are among the guests, supervise interactions and provide guidance on how to interact appropriately, ensuring both your pet’s and the guests’ safety and comfort.
Lights, camera, fireworks
Fireworks are a common part of holiday celebrations, but they can be extremely stressful and dangerous for pets. The loud noises, flashing lights, and sudden movements can cause anxiety, fear, and even panic in animals. Many pets, particularly dogs, may try to escape from the noise, which can lead to them running away or injuring themselves. To keep your pets safe, it’s important to keep them indoors during fireworks displays, close all doors, windows, blinds or curtains, and provide a calm, quiet space where they can retreat.
You can also use calming aids like pet-safe music or anxiety wraps to help soothe them. If your pet is particularly fearful, it’s always a good idea to consult with your vet for additional strategies or medication to help manage their anxiety during fireworks events.
Think twice before gifting pets
While pets may seem like the perfect Christmas gift, they are a lifelong commitment, not a holiday surprise. Avoid impulse decisions, as new puppies and kittens require significant care, time, and financial investment. Instead, consider gifting pet-related items and involve the recipient in the process of choosing their future companion. If you’re set on welcoming a pet into your home, consider adopting from a shelter after the holidays. This gives you time for thoughtful preparation and provides a quieter settling-in period for the new pet.
A little preparation goes a long way in keeping your furry family members happy, healthy, and out of harm’s way. Be sure to have your vet’s contact information on hand in case of emergencies. For non-emergency situations, you can also access convenient telehealth services like VetChat™ which provides real-time veterinary advice from Aussie vets.
*PetSure Claims Data, calendar year 2023 – 2024
Sources
PetSure. 2024. Pet Health Monitor 2024. PetSure, Australia.
LiveVet. 2024. LiveVet: Real-Time Veterinary Advice. Available at: https://www.livevet.com.au