Christmas Safety Tips for Pet Owners

Top Christmas Safety Tips for Pet Owners

It’s already that time of year again when households across the country embrace Christmas, and with it, lots of additions to the home. Whether it’s decorations, festive food or an increase in visitors such as seeing friends and family, there is always lots going on in the build-up to the day. If you’re a household with pets, you may already be aware of the extra cautiousness to have at this time, but if you’re not or a new pet owner about to celebrate a first Christmas together, there are a few things to keep in mind. To help, below are some top tips that will keep your pet from any potential dangers and help them have a safe festive period, so they can enjoy it as much as everybody else.

#1 – Keep Decorations Pet-Friendly

It’s hard to have Christmas without the decorations, so depending on how much you love decorating your home, you may have a few different items around the house. It’s important to keep your pet’s safety in mind, however, as with unfamiliar items around, this can attract their attention and may invite them to get close, sniff and even chew them. Christmas trees are a prime example where curious cats and dogs may chew on electrical lights, swallow tinsel, break glass baubles or knock over the tree entirely.

To minimize the risk, secure your tree with a sturdy base and keep delicate ornaments out of reach. Some pets like to climb more than others (i.e. cats) so keep this in mind and try to avoid leaving them alone in the same room. Look into shatterproof baubles that are more child and pet-friendly and avoid hanging edible decorations like chocolates as these can be very harmful to pets if eaten.

Artificial snow and glittery items may also be toxic if licked or swallowed, so if buying new decorations, seek out pet-safe alternatives. Pine needles, whether real or artificial, can irritate paws or be dangerous if eaten, so be sure to clean these off the floor and keep your pets away as much as possible. Any lights on the tree or in other areas around the home, keep these away from reach where possible and secure in place with cable ties.

#2 – Watch Out for Toxic Treats & Plants!

We all like to overindulge a bit at Christmas, but many of the foods that are a favorite at this time of year can be harmful to your pets if eaten. Many pet owners are aware of the dangers of chocolate, which contains the obromine that is toxic to dogs and cats, but there are others to be wary of.

Common treats such as mince pies, Christmas pudding, and fruitcake, often contain raisins, sultanas, or currants, all of which can cause severe kidney damage if ingested, as per advice from the Blue Cross. Foods like onions, garlic, and rich, fatty leftovers can also lead to serious health issues so it’s best to keep this out of reach.

Holiday plants are another hidden danger. The RSPCA recommends to avoid buying poinsettias, holly, ivy, mistletoe and lilies if you have pets. Mistletoe and holly berries are toxic if eaten, and lilies, often used in Christmas bouquets, are extremely toxic to cats. Poinsettias may look pretty with their red leaves, but will not agree with your pets if eaten. If you enjoy decorating your home with plants at Christmas or in fact anytime throughout the year, check for pet-friendly alternatives like artificial or non-toxic species.

If your pet still does manage to eat something it shouldn’t, be aware of the signs of poisoning such as vomiting, lethargy, or difficulty breathing. Contact a vet immediately if you suspect your pet has eaten something harmful, even if symptoms haven’t shown yet.

#3 – Create a Calm Space for Pets

It’s not just about the potential things your pet may chew or eat, but also the potential for your cat or dog to become overwhelmed. Christmas can mean unfamiliar visitors, loud noises, and changes to their usual routine. Creating a calm and safe space for them will help them feel more relaxed and safer during this hectic period.

Choose a quiet, comfortable area in your home where your pet can retreat if they feel anxious or over stimulated. Things like their favorite bedding, toys, and a water bowl will help them feel settled. If you have a crate-trained pet, allow them to use this as an escape. As per the PDSA, their crate provides a safe, comfortable space where they can sleep and relax, which can be ideal when you have lots of visitors over. When you do have people over, ensure your pet isn’t left alone with unfamiliar people, especially children, who might accidentally cause stress.

Whilst there is a lot going on at this time of year, try to stick to your pet’s regular feeding, walking, and play routines as much as possible. Keeping this routine and providing them with a calm space helps your pet relax and enjoy Christmas just as much as you do.

#4 – Be Mindful of Gifts & Wrapping

A lot of the excitement on Christmas Day is of course the presents, so you’ll be spending time not just wrapping gifts in the build-up but also unwrapping them on the big day. This can lead to lots of dangers for pets if care isn’t taken. Ribbons, bows, and wrapping paper can all be easily swallowed and can lead to choking or serious internal blockages. Keep these items out of reach, especially during and after present opening. It can be tempting to wrap up gifts for your cat or dog so they can open them, but be mindful that they could swallow bits of paper or ribbons when doing so.

With edible gifts such as chocolates, liquor-filled treats, or food hampers, be sure to keep these away from your pets. As mentioned above, a lot of these items can be toxic to pets. After opening any gifts, quickly discard any leftover materials like plastic, tape, or gift tags and keep them out of reach of your cat or dog. Small toy parts, batteries, or any sharp items in gifts can be particularly harmful.

#5 – Be Ready For The Unexpected

It’s undoubtedly a magical time of year for many of us, but it can also be unpredictable, especially if you have a mischievous pet. Chewing on decorations or accidental ingestion of harmful foods and items can be very risky for them, and more than likely result in an emergency trip to the vets. If your furry friend faces a health emergency, being able to cover the costs will help you act quickly. This is where pet insurance helps cover the costs of unexpected vet bills, so you can focus on your pet’s recovery without the financial stress of how to pay for it.

Whether it’s a late-night trip to the vet for a swallowed ornament or treatment for toxic foods like chocolate or raisins, comprehensive policies can provide the coverage your pet needs, especially if you don’t have any spare savings after all the other expenses at Christmas.

A Safe & Merry Christmas for All

Feeling ready for the Christmas rush? Hopefully, the above tips will help you to have an enjoyable Christmas with your pets. The key is to be mindful of what your pets could potentially find in your home to chew or eat.

As long as you keep any decorations pet-friendly, avoid toxic foods and plants, and create a calm environment where they can relax when it all becomes too much, you can help them have a happy and healthy Christmas without any unexpected trips to the vet.