Lesser-Known Safety Risks for Pets During the Holidays—How to Keep Your Furry Friends Safe and Happy

We know the basics of keeping our pets safe during the holiday hullabaloo: be cautious about which treats and table scraps you give them, keep them from jetting outside when the door opens for company, try not to let them climb the Christmas tree. But we recently chatted with Aziza Glass, DVM, CVA, a veterinarian with Freshpet, about more holiday health and safety risks pet parents might not think about quite as much—and we were floored that we didn’t know them. If you have a dog or cat, keep reading to make sure you have all of your bases covered! 

How holiday scents can harm pets

Dr. Aziza recently treated a cat who came to see her for sneezing and excessive nasal discharge. After ruling out other potential causes, Dr. Aziza found that it was due to the owner’s love of aromatherapy, which while it has its benefits for humans, can be dangerous for pets.

“When it comes to the holiday season, a lot of us are going to have diffusers out or potpourri, and if it is a very strong odor, it can, in fact, cause issues for dogs and cats and for any pets that are in the house,” she explains. “It can cause them to have watery eyes, irritation, sneezing, it can almost mimic a respiratory issue.”

Those super-strong candles that set the mood for the season with scents of balsam and cedar, gingerbread, peppermint and more can have a similar impact, Dr. Aziza cautions. 

This can take a while to resolve even with medication, she notes, as the scents typically linger in the fabric or air of the home. Her advice? Keep scents to a minimum when you have furry friends around.

The dangers of candles and open flames

Candles also pose potential safety risks, not only from the burn risk of an open flame but also from the melting wax. 

If your pet has long fur, coming in contact with wax won’t be ideal, but it likely won’t hurt them either. However, a short-haired dog or cat stumbling into hot wax can end up with burns if it touches their skin. So keep those candles away from areas your pets have access to. 

And while it’s a great way to stay warm and cozy, an open fireplace poses a similar threat. When you have pets around, consider a fireplace safety gate—high enough to be jump-proof if you have a cat.

Visitors and holiday disruptions

Whether you’re throwing a huge party or just having some family members over, the holidays can be a stressful time for pets if people are coming and going from the home, as it disrupts their normal routines. 

The “doorbell dilemma,” as Dr. Aziza dubs it, refers to pets who constantly react to the doorbell ringing (this could also apply to a knock or just the sound of people coming up to the house). 

Even once your guests are settled, noise and crowds that your pet isn’t used to can still overstimulate and make it difficult for them to relax and feel secure. 

If this is something that’s going to happen more than usual during the holidays, it can put your pet in a state of stress and anxiety, and may even result in them escaping and getting lost. 

Finally, you may know what your pet can and can’t eat, but if they’re roaming about and a guest unknowingly sneaks them a piece of food that could upset their stomach, pose a choking hazard or worse, it could spell disaster. 

Tips to ensure a safe and happy holiday for your pets

This doesn’t mean you can’t proceed with your usual festivities and even include your four-legged family members in the merriment. By being cautious and considerate of your pet during this time, you can easily keep them safe, happy and healthy. Here’s how: 

Be safe instead of sorry

There’s no such thing as being overly cautious! It’s always best to take as many pet precautions as possible. 

“I tell pet parents all the time that if you’re thinking about pet safety, think about it from the viewpoint of a child or a toddler that can get into anything and everything,” Dr. Aziza offers. “You can’t take anything for granted. So if you don’t want a baby to get into it, then more than likely your dog or your cat shouldn’t get into it either.” 

Be in tune with your pet

From ingesting something dangerous to being in distress, it’s important to pay the utmost attention to your pet. You know them best, which means you should be able to tell when they’re not acting like themselves or may be experiencing pain or discomfort. 

If your pet eats an off-limits item, like a chicken bone for example, you should consider their size compared to the size of the fare. If a large German Shepherd eats a small piece, it likely won’t be an issue, Dr. Aziza says. For a little Chihuahua, the same amount could be a cause for concern. When in doubt, ask your vet.

Either way, you’ll want to keep an eye on your pet if they’ve ingested or done something they shouldn’t have. If you see symptoms like lethargy, vomiting, trouble breathing, diarrhea, excessive drooling, pale gums, pawing at the mouth, trouble relieving themselves, hunching over, blood in stool or vomit, swollen abdomen, seizure or collapse, get to an emergency veterinary clinic as quickly as possible. 

 Set aside pet-safe goodies

Being proactive and giving your pet their own holiday treats is a great way to deter them from getting into potential dangers. Stock up on or make your own holiday-themed pet delicacies, and make sure everyone in your house knows that these are the sweets the pets can safely indulge in, Dr. Aziza recommends. This can also help curb any begging or table-surfing behaviors. 

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“There are certain things that you can do, even with the food that you already have,” she adds. “For instance, Fresh Pet has the Dog Joy Turkey Bacon, so giving them bacon already seems like spoiling your pet [regular bacon that we eat is a no-no for dogs and cats]. Even with their slice-and-serve rolls, you can take some Christmas cookie cutters, and now you kind of made a cookie from the food that they already have eaten.”