A Safe, Bright, and Comfortable Holiday Season for Your Pets

The holiday season brings gatherings, decorations, richer foods, and plenty of new routines, all of which your pets will notice and respond to in their own ways. At Cottner Creek Pet Clinic, we want every family to enjoy a safe and stress-free holiday, including your four-legged companions. Discover precautions and practical tips to help pets stay healthy, comfortable, and out of harm’s way during the festivities. 

Holiday Trees: Beautiful, Bright — and Worth Preparing For 

A decorated tree quickly becomes the centerpiece of a home during the holidays. It can also be a point of temptation for pets who are curious about new scents, movement, or shiny ornaments. A few steps can significantly reduce risk: 

• Stabilize your tree with a secure base so it can’t be tipped by curious cats or enthusiastic dogs. 
• Avoid breakable ornaments at pet height to prevent cuts or ingestion of sharp pieces. 
• Cover or block access to tree water, which may contain fertilizers or bacteria that cause GI upset. 
• Keep electrical cords organized and elevated to minimize tangling or chewing. 

These adjustments help maintain the tree’s beauty, without unexpected disruptions or injuries. 

Lighting & Electrical Safety: Enjoy the Glow, Protect the Home 

Holiday lights, extension cords, and animated décor can brighten the season, but they can also pose risks if pets chew or become entangled. Consider the following safeguards: 

• Use cord protectors or route wires behind furniture. 
• Inspect older lights for frayed wires before decorating. 
• Avoid low-hanging lights that move or flicker in ways that draw a pet’s attention. 

A well-planned lighting setup allows your home to shine while keeping pets safe from electrical hazards. 

Seasonal Foods: Wonderful for Gatherings, Not for Pets 

The holiday table is a highlight of the season, but many festive foods are unsafe for pets. Foods commonly involved in pet emergencies include: 

• Chocolate, cocoa, and sugar-free treats containing xylitol 
• Bones, fatty meats, gravies, and heavily seasoned dishes 
• Alcoholic beverages and unbaked yeast dough 

Richer foods and unfamiliar ingredients can lead to pancreatitis, gastrointestinal upset, or toxicity. Keep dishes out of reach, secure trash cans, and encourage guests to avoid offering food to your pets, no matter how convincing the begging. 

Seasonal Plants: Festive Look, Hidden Risks 

Holiday plants add warmth and tradition to the home, but some can cause irritation or more serious illness if ingested. Common seasonal concerns include: 

• Mistletoe and holly, which can cause severe GI or cardiovascular symptoms 
• Lilies, especially dangerous to cats 
• Poinsettias, which typically cause mild irritation but are still best kept out of reach 

If you enjoy holiday greenery, consider placing plants in elevated areas or choosing high-quality artificial alternatives. 

Quiet Corner: Creating a Calm, Protected Space for Pets 

Even outgoing pets can become overwhelmed by the increase in guests, noise, and activity during holiday events. A designated retreat can help them self-regulate: 

• Provide a quiet room or corner stocked with their bed, water, and a familiar toy. 
• Offer this space before guests arrive so pets know where to go when they need a break. 
• Use gentle background noise, like soft music or a white-noise machine, to reduce stimulation. 

Supporting your pet’s emotional comfort is just as important as managing physical safety. 

Doors, Visitors & Identification: Planning for the Holiday Hustle 

With more foot traffic, opportunities for accidental escapes increase. A few preventative steps make all the difference: 

• Confirm that collar ID tags are legible and up to date. 
• Ensure your pet’s microchip information is current in the registry. 
• Remind guests to be mindful of doors and gates, especially if pets tend to linger near exits. 

Taking a moment now can help avoid a stressful search later. 

If you have questions about holiday safety, stress management for pets, or concerns about seasonal risks, the Cottner Creek Pet Clinic team is here to help. We’re committed to keeping your pets healthy and comfortable all season long. Call us at (402) 334-5975 to schedule an appointment or speak with a team member. 

Happy Holidays from Cottner Creek Pet Clinic.