The living room’s full of laughter, the tree lights twinkle, and wrapping paper covers the floor. It’s easy to forget about curious paws underfoot while we get swept up in Christmas fun. Still, so much excitement means things like chocolate sweets, tinsel, and candles can catch our pets out.
This post gives simple, practical steps to keep pets safe and happy all holiday season. With just a little care, your furry friends can enjoy the festivities right along with the rest of the family.
With visitors coming and going, doors get left open and pets may slip out. Keep animals in another room when guests (or posties) arrive or leave. Make sure tags are up to date. Microchipping gives peace of mind, to help find lost pets.
Pet‑proofing the home for Christmas
As much as we love decking the halls, Christmas brings a long list of household hazards for pets. With new sounds, scents, and colours filling every room, animals can get themselves into trouble without warning.
Keeping your home pet-proofed helps the whole family relax and enjoy every moment. Here are some simple ways to keep your space truly pet-friendly through the holidays.
Secure the tree and decorations
Christmas trees draw both pets and people in with their sparkle. Unfortunately, excited cats and wagging dog tails love to topple them over.
- Pick a sturdy tree with a strong base so it does not tip.
- If you use a real tree, tie the trunk to a wall or ceiling hook, to keep it steady.
- Place all breakable or sharp ornaments, tinsel, glitter and baubles high above paw or nose height (use the top half of the tree only). You can now buy recycled paper tinsel.
- Always sweep up fallen pine needles or bits of plastic so pets do not chew or swallow them. Even small needles can upset a dog or cat’s stomach, or worse, cause a blockage.
- Avoid snow globes, most contain pet-lethal antifreeze.
- Avoid facing indoor foliage to gardens, to help stop birds flying into windows
Decorating the tree is a highlight, but safety comes first. Make it shine from a distance and skip edible decorations altogether.
Hide toxic plants
Plants and greenery are festive but not always safe. The following are best kept far from paws and whiskers:
- Holly, mistletoe, poinsettias, lilies, and festive wreaths (fresh or scented) can cause stomach upset, drooling, or worse if pets chew on leaves or berries.
- If you buy flowers for the table, ask for pet-safe bouquets like roses.
- Don’t sent plantable cards to homes with pets, as most contain toxic wildflowers, when planted in gardens.
Keep toxic food away from pets
Festive foods look and smell delicious to pets, but many are dangerous. Chocolate, mince pies, Christmas pudding, fruit cake, nuts, and anything sweet with xylitol, dried fruit or alcohol can be toxic if eaten. Read more on food safety for people and pets.
Keep snacks and treats out of reach:
- Store sweets, cakes, and chocolates in sealed containers or locked cupboards.
- Never leave bowls of nibbles or gift chocolates unattended on low tables.
- Pick up and throw away any chocolate wrappers straight away; even sniffing them can tempt curious pets.
Foods to keep away from pets include:
- Cooked bones (can choke)
- Chocolate (including white chocolate) & Caffeine
- Raw Eggs & Fish (salmon has a fatal parasite)
- Alliums (garlic, onion, shallots, leeks, chives)
- All Citrus Fruits & Dried Fruits
- Mushrooms & Avocado
- Fruit Pips & Seeds (contain natural cyanide)
- Faux Meats (inc. jackfruit)
- Raw Bread Dough (expands in the stomach)
- Corn-on-the-Cob (choking hazard)
- Spices (esp. nutmeg & mace)
- Most Nuts (esp. macadamia) & Seeds
- Xylitol (a sweetener, if used)
Safe lighting and candles
Twinkling lights and scented candles set the mood, but the wires, flames and scents can put pets at risk.
- Use LED fairy lights that give off little heat. Pets are much less likely to burn themselves if they brush past.
- Tape down any trailing cords or string them high up along the walls or mantle.
- If you love an open fire or candlelight, use battery-operated candles for a safer effect (store safely and recycle, they are choking/fire hazards).
- Place any real candles on high, stable surfaces where tails, whiskers, or fur cannot reach. Even a playful swipe could knock a candle over.
- Do not forget to switch off lights when you leave the house. Chewing a wire or knocking a candle can happen in seconds.
- Fireplaces should have secure screens.
Control noise and visitors
Extra people, noisy toys, and fireworks can put pets on edge or send them hiding.
- Keep firecrackers, crackers, and party poppers to a minimum. Choose zero waste Christmas crackers with low-noise or no bangs.
- Give your pet a quiet space such as a bedroom or crate with a soft bed, water, and their favourite toy if they need a break.
- Avoid dressing up pets in jumpers or antlers or fancy dress (could choke or over-heat).
- Remind guests to avoid shouting, chasing, or sudden noises. Loud sounds can easily scare animals and might make them bolt out an open door. Read our post on reasons to avoid fireworks.
A bit of planning helps the whole family (furry friends included) unwind during party time. Keep routines as normal as possible, and your pet will feel much safer.
Travel and Outdoor Safety
Christmas is one of the busiest times for travel. Whether you are heading out for a festive stroll or driving to visit family, your pet’s safety is always worth a second thought. Winter brings its own mix of hazards, from icy pavements to car journeys crowded with gifts. Taking a few easy steps means you and your pet can both stay safe and happy during the busiest season of the year.
Bringing pets along on trips is part of many family celebrations, but journeys need planning if you want them to go smoothly. Pets should always travel safely, both to protect them and to cut down on driver distraction.
- Use a sturdy crate or pet seatbelt: A crate is best for cats or small dogs, giving them a cosy place to settle down for the ride. Quality seatbelt harnesses are sold for larger dogs, keeping them safe in the back seat.
- Keep windows only partially open: It’s tempting to let your dog stick their head out, but even on cold days, a jump or sudden stop is a real risk. Keep windows closed far enough that heads and paws stay inside.
- Never leave pets in a car, even briefly: On colder days, cars can still heat up faster than you’d expect with the sun shining through the glass. In summer or winter, pets can quickly become stressed or even seriously ill when left alone.
If you plan to travel for a while, pack their favourite blanket or toy and plenty of water. Regular breaks help everyone stretch their legs and keep pets from getting anxious or restless.
Don’t let dogs run immediately after long car drives (like running after food or gulping water, this could cause bloat, a serious medical emergency),
While snowy walks can make for great photos, winter weather creates hidden dangers for pets. Icy paths and deep snow are rough on paws and joints, especially for older pets or tiny breeds.
- Slippery surfaces: Ice can turn even your own front step into a slide. Watch for slick spots and walk slowly when you head out, both for your safety and your pet’s.
- Clear paths after a snowfall: Shovel a safe route for your pet to use for toilet trips in the garden. This reduces the chance of slips and helps pets who are unsure about deep snow.
- Avoid eating snow: Snow may look harmless but can hide roadside chemicals such as antifreeze or salt which are highly toxic. Always steer pets away from slushy puddles or roadside piles.
- It’s good to rinse paws after snowy walks, to remove rock salt which can burn inside at higher temperatures. EcoGrit recommends safer alternatives.
Experts suggest to use warm water around 37 ° Celsius. Pop a mat or tub in the bath/sink, to avoid wobbles (walk-in showers, paddling pools or outdoors may be easier for large secured dogs).
Both antifreeze and road salt are common in winter but can be dangerous (even deadly) for pets if eaten or licked from paws.
- Keep antifreeze well away from pets: Store bottles in locked cupboards or sheds. Even a small sip can be fatal, as it tastes sweet but is highly poisonous.
- Clean up spills straight away: If you spot a leak from your car, wash it away and keep pets out of the area until it’s dry.
- Road salt sticks to paws: Salt can cause sore pads and dry, cracked skin. More worryingly, pets may try to lick it off, which puts them at risk of poisoning.
Getting into the habit of wiping your pet’s paws after every walk is the best way to protect them. Use a damp towel or pet wipe to gently clean between their toes. If your pet licks or chews at their paws after a walk, check for redness and rinse their feet in lukewarm water.
Winter celebrations add a little extra risk for curious pets, but with these tips, you can avoid most mishaps and get back to enjoying Christmas together.
Health and Emergency Prep for Pets
With so much going on and tempting treats all around, accidents can happen in seconds. A good plan helps you react quickly if your pet gets into trouble. Spotting the risks before they become an emergency is the best way to protect your furry friend. Here are clear, simple tips to keep their health front of mind.
Know common toxic items
Lots of Christmas foods and decorations look harmless but can cause panic for pet owners. Dogs and cats are curious, thinking nothing of chewing or swallowing something shiny or sweet. Knowing what is dangerous helps you avoid a trip to the vet.
Watch out for these common holiday hazards:
- Chocolate: Even a small piece can lead to sickness, hyperactivity, a fast heart rate, or seizures.
- Nuts (especially macadamia and walnuts): Can cause weakness, vomiting, tremors, or high temperature.
- Cinnamon, clove, nutmeg: Found in festive baking (like custard tarts or egg nog) and potpourri, these can cause vomiting, liver trouble, or even fits if eaten by pets.
- Essential oils: Oils used in diffusers are risky. Wintergreen, eucalyptus, or clove oil can cause drooling, wobbliness, or even collapse. Avoid using scents and essential oils (or spraying scent) near pets.
- Glitter and glass baubles: Glass shards injure mouths, tongues, or paws. Glitter may seem harmless but can upset stomachs or cause blockages.
- Wintergreen mints or oil: Toxic to both dogs and cats, can lead to breathing problems or vomiting.
If you spot any of these symptoms in your pet:
- Vomiting or diarrhoea
- Tremors or shaking
- Restlessness or severe drowsiness
- Heavy drooling or foaming
- Breathing problems
Take action right away. Quick treatment can prevent serious harm or save your pet’s life. Keep a list of these items handy as a reminder for you and anyone else in your home.
First‑aid kit for pets
A simple pet first-aid kit gives you peace of mind and helps you respond faster if there is a problem. Don’t wait until something goes wrong to put it together.
Here’s what to include in a basic pet first-aid kit:
- Sterile gauze pads (for wounds)
- Tweezers (to remove splinters or glass)
- Saline solution (to flush out eyes or clean cuts)
- Non-stick bandages or vet wrap
- Blunt-ended scissors
- Digital thermometer
- Disposable gloves
- Tick remover
- An animal-safe wound wash (from vets or pet shops)
Keep this kit somewhere central—near the kitchen or living room—where you spend lots of time. Make sure everyone in the family knows where it is.
Never use human antiseptic. Check your kit every few months. Replace anything that is out of date or missing.
When to call the vet
Not every mishap needs a rush to the vet, but some signs should never wait. Acting fast when you see these symptoms can make all the difference.
Call the vet straight away if your pet:
- Vomits more than once or has diarrhoea that won’t stop
- Develops tremors or shakes for no reason
- Becomes very sleepy or hard to wake
- Struggles to breathe, wheezes, or coughs uncontrollably
- Collapses, has a fit, or cannot stand up
Keep the vet’s number on your mobile and posted in the kitchen. Read our post on finding free and affordable vet care.
Enjoying the festivities together
Christmas is a time for people and pets alike to make happy memories. Many pet owners want their furry family to join in the merriment, but it’s easy for well-meaning treats, toys or busy routines to cause problems.
By making a few thoughtful changes, you can keep pets involved in the fun while still protecting their health and happiness.
Pet‑friendly treats
Snacks are everywhere at Christmas, but not every festive bite is safe for pets. While it’s tempting to share leftovers or holiday sweets, even tiny amounts of the wrong thing can cause upset stomachs or worse.
Watch out for anything high in sugar or fat—even small pieces of cake or sweet pastry can be risky. Mince pies, for instance, contain dried fruit and rich pastry, both dangerous to cats and dogs. The same goes for Christmas puddings and chocolates.
Keep these off-limits:
- Mince pie crust
- Dried fruit (including raisins and sultanas)
- Sugary snacks
If you want to include your pet in the festive meal, serve their treat in a special bowl beside you at the table. Let everyone know not to feed titbits from their plate.
Safe play with toys
Christmas often brings new toys for everyone in the house, pets included. The right toys bring joy and exercise, but some types are far from safe. Small parts, cheap materials or string can turn a fun present into a hazard in minutes. Choose toys that last and are tough enough for your pet’s chewing style.
Avoid these common mistakes:
- Cheap chew toys: These often split into hard or sharp pieces that can hurt or choke your pet.
- Toys with small removable parts: Buttons, squeakers or bells can be swallowed.
- String, twine or tinsel-type toys: Cats especially can eat string, leading to dangerous blockages.
- Cheap plastic dog toys: These break easily and may not be made with pet-safe materials.
Store new toys high up when they are not in use so pets don’t root through presents unsupervised. Always supervise play until you know a toy is safe for your pet’s chewing habits.
Quiet space for your pet
Festive noise, crowds and music can unsettle pets that like their routine. Even the most social animals sometimes need an escape when the house fills with visitors, or the excitement ramps up. A safe, quiet corner gives your pet a place to recharge and feel secure.
Create a cosy haven with these simple touches:
- A soft bed or favourite blanket
- Access to water
Pick a room away from the busiest spaces. If possible, shut the door to soften the sound of laughter, TV or music. Some pets like a covered crate or box for extra privacy.
Remind guests, especially children, that when the pet is in their room, they should be left to relax. This gives your pet the space to choose social time or quiet whenever they like. Keep checking in throughout the day with a gentle fuss or treat, so they know they haven’t been forgotten.
Including pets in Christmas fun is simple when you pick treats and toys with care and give them somewhere calm to rest. This helps everyone enjoy the season with less stress and plenty of wagging tails or soft purrs.
Conclusion
Keeping pets safe at Christmas comes down to a few simple steps. Pet‑proof your house, watch out for common toxins, travel with care, and give your animals their own cosy spot to unwind. Preparing ahead helps your pets join in on the family fun without worry.
A little planning means everyone, paws included, can share in the joy and laughter of the season. Give your pet the best gift of all—peace of mind and a spot at the heart of your holiday traditions. Thanks for reading!
