Pet Holiday Hazards: Keeping Your Pet Safe During the Festive Season

The festive season brings lights, rich meals, family gatherings, and that unmistakable holiday energy. While we enjoy the magic, our pets move through these celebrations unaware of the risks around them. At ABVC, we often see holiday-related emergencies simply because many owners aren’t aware of the hidden dangers that come with festive traditions. We like to bring these risks to your attention so, together, we can prevent accidents and keep the celebrations safe for everyone.

The holidays usually begin in the kitchen, where tempting smells fill the house. Chocolate, raisins, sugar-free sweets, alcohol, leftover bones, and rich foods seem harmless on the table but can cause serious illness in pets. A quick taste or a stolen snack can lead to toxic reactions or painful digestive issues.

Decorations create another layer of curiosity. Tinsel, ornaments, ribbons, and even the water under the Christmas tree can look like toys or treats. Cats may swallow string-like decorations, leading to dangerous blockages, and dogs may chew ornaments or pine needles without understanding the harm. Festive plants such as poinsettias, holly, mistletoe, and lilies can cause drooling, vomiting, or more severe symptoms if ingested.

Lights and candles bring warmth to the season but pose real hazards for pets. Chewing on light cords can cause electrical burns, and a wagging tail passing near a candle can start a fire in an instant. Keeping cables protected and open flames out of reach makes a big difference.

With gatherings, fireworks, visitors, and music, pets may feel overwhelmed. Loud noises and unfamiliar faces can trigger stress, hiding, shaking, or attempts to escape. Providing a quiet space, early walks, or calming routines can help them cope more comfortably.