The holiday season is a time for joy, celebration, and making memories with loved ones—including your furry family members. However, holiday decor, food, and festivities can pose unique hazards to pets. To ensure a safe and stress-free season, here’s a comprehensive guide to pet-proofing your home for the holidays.

1. Secure Your Holiday Decorations

Holiday decorations are often the main attraction in your home, but they can be irresistible (and dangerous) for curious pets.

  • Christmas Trees: Secure your tree with a sturdy base or anchor it to the wall to prevent tipping. Avoid breakable ornaments on lower branches and opt for shatter-proof ones instead.

  • Tinsel and Garland: Keep these out of reach as they can cause serious intestinal blockages if ingested.

  • Lights and Cords: Use cord protectors or hide them to prevent chewing. Ensure lights are turned off when unsupervised.

  • Candles: Place candles high up and out of reach, or switch to flameless LED candles for a safer alternative.

2. Keep Holiday Plants Out of Reach

Many traditional holiday plants are toxic to pets, including:

  • Poinsettias: Mildly toxic, causing irritation to the mouth and stomach.

  • Holly and Mistletoe: Can cause vomiting, diarrhea, or even more severe symptoms if ingested.

  • Lilies: Extremely toxic to cats, even in small amounts.

  • Christmas Tree Water: May contain preservatives or bacteria that are harmful to pets.

Place these plants in areas your pets can’t access or choose pet-safe alternatives like faux plants.

3. Be Cautious with Holiday Foods

Holiday meals and treats are a big part of the festivities, but not all human food is safe for pets.

  • Foods to Avoid:

    • Chocolate, especially dark and baking chocolate

    • Grapes, raisins, and currants (can cause kidney failure)

    • Onions, garlic, and chives

    • Alcohol and caffeine

    • Fatty or spicy foods

  • Safe Treats: Offer pet-safe holiday treats or toys to include your pets in the celebrations without risking their health.

Remind guests not to feed pets table scraps and keep food well out of reach.

4. Create a Pet-Safe Space

The holidays can be overwhelming for pets with all the activity, noise, and unfamiliar faces. Designate a safe, quiet space where your pets can retreat if they feel stressed.

  • Include their favorite bed, toys, and fresh water.

  • Ensure the area is free of hazards like small decorations, cords, or toxic plants.

  • Let guests know to respect your pet’s space.

5. Be Mindful of Holiday Parties

Holiday gatherings can be exciting but may also cause stress or pose risks to pets.

  • Door Safety: Keep an eye on open doors to prevent pets from slipping out.

  • Guest Instructions: Inform visitors of any rules, like keeping certain foods or items away from your pets.

  • Pet Anxiety: Consider calming aids, like pheromone sprays, if your pet gets nervous around crowds.

6. Gift Wrapping and Toys

Gift wrapping materials and new toys can also be hazardous.

  • Ribbons and Strings: Avoid leaving these unattended as they can be choking or strangulation hazards.

  • Batteries: Small batteries in toys or gadgets can be toxic if ingested.

  • Pet-Friendly Gifts: If gifting to your pets, ensure toys and treats are size-appropriate and made from non-toxic materials.

7. Be Prepared for Emergencies

Even with precautions, accidents can happen. Be ready:

  • Vet Contact Info: Keep your veterinarian’s phone number and the nearest 24-hour emergency clinic handy.

  • Pet First Aid Kit: Stock it with essentials like bandages, tweezers, and pet-safe antiseptic.

  • ASPCA Hotline: Save the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center number (888-426-4435) in case of ingestion emergencies.

Pet-proofing your home for the holidays ensures your furry friends stay safe and comfortable while you enjoy the festive season. By securing decorations, avoiding toxic plants and foods, and creating a stress-free environment, you can focus on making holiday memories that everyone—pets included—can cherish.

Wishing you and your pets a happy, healthy, and safe holiday season!

Matt Witte strives to be the best realtor in North Andover MA.

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