The holiday season can be a dangerous time for pets. From fireworks and chocolates, to poisonous plants and string lights, holiday hazards are everywhere. Even if you’re extremely cautious in your own home, that could all change if you find yourself traveling with pets. So whether you’re at home or away, it’s important to be on the lookout for any holiday hazards that could endanger your pets. Here’s how to keep your pets safe.
Hazardous Houseplants
Lilies, mistletoe, and poinsettias have become holiday favorites for many people. Whether you’re putting up a wreath or just adding some festive color to your tablescape, many traditional holiday plants can be poisonous for your pet. Some plants can cause mild symptoms like vomiting or depression, while others can be fatal to pets who consume large amounts.
If you want to add any of these plants to your seasonal decor, make sure they’re out of reach. Hang your wreaths high and keep other plants away from spaces your pet spends a lot of time. If you really want to play it safe, opt for fake plants or choose something pet-friendly.
Forbidden Foods
When you’re enjoying a special meal, it’s hard not to want to share with your best friend. But when it comes to holiday dinners, there are simply too many hazards on the table. All the extra butter and the seasoning on the meat or the vegetables. It’s not just the food on your plate that can cause issues for your pet: bones, alcohol, and chocolate can all be fatal, too.
If you really want to share food with your furry friend, your safest options are things like unseasoned, cooked sweet potatoes or pumpkin puree. But the best thing you can do is give them a special pet treat instead of human food.
Dangerous Decorations
One thing we know about our pets—especially dogs—is that some of them will eat anything. But swallowing tinsel or chewing on string lights can be very dangerous. That’s why it’s your job to pet-proof your home by hiding cords and making sure the decorations you’re putting up are safe. If you can’t be home all day to supervise your pet, make sure they’re safely crated or gated off from any potential hazards.
Frightening Fireworks
If you enjoy spending your New Year’s Eve lighting off or watching fireworks, just remember that the loud booms and sudden flashes can frighten your pets. To keep them safe, bring them inside before the celebrations start to keep them from running off. It might even help to close the blinds and use background noise like the TV or a fan.
NYE is one of the most common times of year for pets to go missing, so it’s important to make sure that their collar fits and their ID tags and microchip information are up to date. If your dog or cat has severe anxiety during fireworks, talk to your vet ahead of time.
We’re Here When You Need Us
The holidays can be stressful for both pets and owners, and with the added stress, it’s better to ask questions before something becomes an emergency. So if you’re feeling a little unsure about what’s safe and what isn’t this season, don’t hesitate to reach out. At Anasazi Animal Clinic, we want to make sure your pets stay safe and out of trouble all season long.
Photo by Barna Morvai on Pexels used with permission under the creative commons license for commercial use 12/11/2025