5 Holiday Pet Safety Tips: Is Your Home Ready for Santa Paws?

Last Updated on 02/12/2025 by Liza Brits

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5 Holiday Pet Safety Tips

The holidays are officially here. The halls are decked, the playlists are queued, and the vibe is festive. But let’s be honest, for pet parents, December can also be a little stressful.

Between the decorations, the rich food, and the revolving door of guests, the holiday season presents a unique set of challenges for our four-legged family members. In fact, statistics show that emergency vet visits spike significantly in December.

But that’s not going to be you.

At PetSmartify, we believe in being proactive, not reactive. You don’t need to cancel Christmas to keep your pet safe this holiday season, you just need a strategy. Here are our 5 holiday pet safety tips to ensure your home is ready for “Santa Paws.”

1. The “Tinsel Trap” (and how to avoid it)

Shiny, stringy tinsel is arguably the biggest holiday pet hazard, especially for cats. If swallowed, tinsel can cause severe intestinal blockages that require surgery.

The Smart Move: Swap tinsel for thick ribbon, garlands, or paper chains. They look just as festive but are much harder to swallow.
Tree Tip: If you have an energetic dog or a climbing cat, use fishing line to anchor the top of your tree to the wall or ceiling. It’s invisible, strong, and prevents the dreaded “timber!” moment.

2. The Guest Briefing

Your Aunt Carol means well, but she might not know that a cooked turkey bone can splinter in a dog’s stomach, or that the xylitol in her sugar-free cookies is toxic.

The Smart Move: Don’t rely on memory. Stick a polite “Naughty List” on the fridge for guests to see.
Strict No-Go Foods: Chocolate, grapes/raisins, onions, garlic, macadamia nuts, cooked bones, and alcohol.

3. The “Do Not Disturb” Zone

Holidays are loud. Between doorbells, laughter, and music, even the most social pets can get overstimulated or anxious.

The Smart Move: Set up a designated “Quiet Room” before guests arrive. Fill it with a comfortable bed, fresh water, and a white noise machine (or a fan).
Pro Tip: Give your pet a high-value distraction, like a frozen lick mat or a stuffed KONG, to keep them occupied and calm while you enjoy dinner.

4. Wire Management 101

New twinkling lights mean new wires running across the floor. For teething puppies or curious cats, these look like fun chew toys.

The Smart Move: Tape loose wires down to the floor or run them through PVC pipe/cord protectors. If that isn’t possible, a quick spray of bitter apple deterrent on the cords can work wonders.

5. The “Escape Artist” Check

With guests coming in and out, front doors are left open longer than usual. It only takes a split second for a pet to slip out into the cold.

The Smart Move: Take two minutes right now to check your pet’s collar. Is the tag legible? Is your phone number current?
The Backup: If your pet is microchipped, log into the registry database today to ensure your contact info is up to date. It’s the ultimate safety net.

The Bottom Line

A little preparation goes a long way. By taking five minutes today towards holiday pet safety, you’re saving yourself hours of worry (and potential vet bills) later.

Going out of town with your furry friend? Read our useful blog on the top smart pet technology for stress-free travel with your pet.

🎄Frequently Asked Questions: Holiday Pet Safety 🎁

How do I keep my cat away from the Christmas tree?

This is the ultimate holiday battle! Since cats are natural climbers, you have to make the tree less appealing than their scratching post. Here are three “smart” deterrents to keep your cat away from the Christmas tree:

Scent Warfare: Cats hate the smell of citrus. Place lemon or orange peels around the base of the tree, or use a pet-safe citrus spray on the lower branches.
Texture Traps: Wrap the trunk of the tree or the floor area around it in aluminum foil. Most cats despise the sound and feel of walking on it.
The “Naked” Zone: Avoid hanging ornaments on the bottom 12 inches of the tree. If there is nothing dangling at eye level to bat at, they are less likely to jump up.

Are Poinsettias actually poisonous to pets?

Yes, but they are often milder than people think (usually causing nausea/vomiting). However, Holly and Mistletoe are much more dangerous and can cause severe heart and intestinal issues. The smartest move? Go artificial for holiday plants, they look great and are 100% safe.

Is it safe to put a gift with food inside under the tree?

We strongly advise against it. Dogs have incredible noses; they will smell that box of chocolates or beef jerky through the wrapping paper. A determined dog will eat the box, the paper, and the food (which might be toxic). Keep food gifts up on a shelf until the very moment you are ready to exchange them.

My dog is terrified of fireworks/New Year’s Eve noise. What can I do?

Prep is key. Exercise them heavily earlier in the day so they are tired. Close all windows and curtains to dampen sound. If they are prone to panic, consider an anxiety wrap (Thundershirt) or consult your vet about calming supplements before the big night. Read our blog on helpful anxiety solutions for dogs that are afraid of thunder (and fireworks) for more advice and solutions.

The 5-Minute Holiday Safety Audit: Is Your Home Ready for Santa Paws?