Tips for keeping your pets safe during the chaos of the holidays.
Story Courtesy Animal Rescue League of Iowa
Featured in Autumn 2025
It’s the most wonderful time of the year, but nothing can spoil good cheer like an emergency trip to the veterinarian or the search for a lost pet. These simple tips can help keep the season merry and bright for both your pet and you.
Stick to their diet
With the holidays come all types of holiday goodies. Be sure to keep your pets on their normal diet to avoid digestive upsets and toxins. If you want to spoil your pet with small treats, a little bit of deboned turkey, plain sweet potatoes, and plain canned pumpkin (unspiced) are all safe options. Chocolate, onions, caffeine, and alcohol are all toxic to pets, so keep them out of reach.
Be safe with decorations
Trees, tinsel, lights and garland abound this time of year, but keep in mind that they can be hazardous to pets. While decorations can be tempting for them to play with or chew on, ingestion can lead to discomfort, pain, or even life-threatening digestive issues. Light strands carry the risk of electrical shock for curious pets, while shards of lights or other ornaments can damage their mouth or digestive tract. Punctured batteries can cause burns to a pet’s mouth or esophagus, as well as put their life at risk. It’s best to monitor your pets around decorations and keep items out of reach if necessary to avoid a trip to the emergency vet.
While seasonal plants can brighten up a home in winter, please remember that many are toxic, including poinsettias, mistletoe and holly.
Beware of toxic plants
While seasonal plants can brighten up a home in winter, please remember that many are toxic, including poinsettias, mistletoe and holly. If ingested, poinsettias can cause mouth irritation in pets and vomiting, and mistletoe and holly can cause gastrointestinal upset and cardiovascular problems. Many types of lilies found in holiday bouquets are also highly toxic and can cause kidney failure in cats. To keep pets safe, move floral decorations out of reach or replace them with faux alternatives.
Have a plan in advance
If your pet does ingest something they aren’t supposed to, contact your local veterinarian or emergency vet immediately. Keep the numbers for both handy and make sure you know how to get to your 24/7 emergency vet if needed. For questions, you can also contact the ASPCA’s Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
Watch the exits
The holidays are full of hustle and bustle, which means pets can easily become overwhelmed or overexcited and try to escape. Make sure doors and windows are shut securely, be careful when guests arrive so pets don’t dart out the door, and equip pets with an ID tag and a microchip with your updated information to help give them the best chance of being reunited with you if they do become lost.
Create a stress-free zone
To help ease your pet’s fears or lower stress levels during busy times, set up a safe room for them to relax in. The room should be quiet and one that they’re familiar with—such as a bedroom or family room. Put some of their favorite toys and comfort items in the room as well to keep them occupied and calm. A T-shirt or blanket that smells like you is also a great idea.
