Christmas is usually a busy and exciting time, with lots going on. But the fun and festivities can also bring some risks for our pets.
Help keep your pet safe this Christmas with our guide to festive hazards and tips to help protect them.
Which Christmas foods are toxic to pets?
Some of the most common Christmas foods that can be toxic to pets include:
- raisins in mince pies and Christmas puddings
- cranberry sauce
- bread sauce
- chocolate
- cooked bones
- alcohol
- onions and garlic
- macadamia nuts
Another risk is xylitol, an artificial sweetener that’s sometimes used in baked goods and sweat treats.
How to keep your pets safe from toxic foods
Whenever you're cooking, try to keep your pets out of the room. It's easier than you'd think for them to grab a bit of food they’re not allowed to eat without you realising it.
Other Christmas hazards
On top of food, there are a few other things at Christmas that can be dangerous for pets, like:
- Christmas trees
- artificial snow
- lights and loose wires
- candles
- potpourri
Which Christmas plants are toxic to pets?
There are plenty of festive plants that are toxic to our furry friends.
These include:
- Ivy
- Holly berries
- Mistletoe
- Pine trees
- Poinsettia
If you’d like to learn more, take a look at our guides to plants poisonous to cats and plants poisonous to dogs.
How to keep your pets safe from toxic plants
If you're out on a walk with your dog, keep them on a lead if they've got a habit of eating plants.
Choose walking routes where you know there are no toxic plants. This can help your dog enjoy some off-lead exercise without the added risk. We've got some useful dog winter care tips if you want to know more.
If you're going to be decorating your home with festive plants, keep them well out of reach of your pets. Or keep them out of your home, especially if you have cats who love to jump up.
How to keep pets safe from Christmas decorations
Christmas decorations come in all shapes and sizes, and some are more dangerous than others.
To keep your pet safe and sound, follow these tips.
Use shatterproof baubles
Plastic or metal baubles are a safer option because they’re less likely to shatter. But if your pet likes to chew or swallow decorations, it's best to keep them out of reach.
Don’t use artificial snow
Artificial snow is toxic to pets because it contains harmful chemicals, so it's best to not have it inside your home.
Keep wires hidden
Keep Christmas light wires out of reach or covered with cable protectors, so pets can’t chew them.
Avoid tinsel
It might not be worth decorating your tree with tinsel if your pet likes to chew it. They can choke on tinsel or have problems with their digestion if they swallow it.
Secure your tree and baubles
Some pets (especially cats!) like to pull or jump on Christmas trees. This can be dangerous if they eat pine needles, and there’s also a risk the tree could fall and injure them.
Keep your tree in place with a sturdy stand. You can also secure your baubles to the tree by tying each one to the branch instead of just hanging them.
Keep your tree in a separate room
If you have a cat that likes to jump up on your tree, it might be worth keeping it in a room that they can't access. That keeps your tree and your cat safe!
Want more cat winter care tips? Check out our guide on looking after your cat in the winter months.
How to keep your pets calm during Christmas
All the extra activity at Christmas can be stressful and overwhelming for pets. Here's how to keep them calm and relaxed.
Create a safe space
Have a room or area that's calm and filled with your pet's favourite things, like their toys and blankets. This gives them somewhere to retreat to when the festivities get a bit too much.
Show them some love
If your pet's quite needy, make sure you're still making time to be with them outside of all the Christmas activities.
If they love a cuddle, carve out some time to snuggle up and give them your attention. It's also great to schedule in playtime, so they stay active and stimulated.
Use a pheromone diffuser
Pheromone diffusers are great for soothing anxious pets. They release calming pheromones into the room, helping to stop your pet from crying, pacing and chewing.
What to do if your pet eats something toxic
If your pet's eaten something toxic, you should get in touch with the vet straight away.
The vet will tell you if you need to bring them in immediately or just monitor them for any unusual behaviour.
If your vet tells you to come in, ask whether they’d like you to bring details of what your pet's eaten, or any packaging if it’s available.
Enjoy a safe Christmas with your pet
Christmas should be a fun time for every member of the family, including your pets. By keeping dangers out of reach and giving your pet a calm space to relax, you can help them stay happy and safe throughout the festive season.
If you want more tips on keeping them happy and healthy during winter, check out our pet winter safety guide.
