Keeping Your Pets Safe Over the Holidays: 7 Golden Rules
The holidays are a time for family, food, and celebration - but for our pets, the festive season can bring a mix of excitement and hidden hazards. From rich foods and hot days to fireworks and travel, it’s easy for even the most well-behaved pets to get into trouble.
At Lennox Head Vet Clinic, we see a spike in holiday-related vet visits every year - many of which are preventable with a little preparation. Here’s how to keep your pets happy, healthy, and safe this festive season.
1. Beware of Dangerous Holiday Foods
Those tempting leftovers and snacks might not be so festive for your pet’s tummy.
Common culprits include:
Chocolate: even small amounts can be toxic to dogs and cats.
Onions, grapes, raisins, and xylitol: all highly toxic to pets.
Fatty meats or ham bones: can cause pancreatitis or choking.
Alcohol: even a lick of beer or wine can cause severe illness.
💡 Stick to pet-safe treats or special holiday snacks designed just for them.
2. Keep Decorations and Presents Out of Paw’s Reach
Shiny tinsel, ribbons, ornaments, and fairy lights can look irresistible to curious cats and playful pups - but they can also cause choking, intestinal blockages, or electric shocks.
Secure your tree and avoid hanging ornaments near the bottom.
Keep electrical cords tucked away.
Skip edible decorations like popcorn strings.
Supervise pets if presents are under the tree, and don’t take any chances with edible presents. We’ve seen Christmas derailed by cheeky pets more than a few times - including Christmas Day vet visits to vomit it all back up!
3. Watch the Heat
Australian holidays mean hot weather! Make sure your pets stay cool by:
Providing plenty of shade (or air-con) and fresh water.
Avoiding walks and outside time in the middle of the day.
Never leaving pets in cars, even for a minute.
💦 If you’re heading to the beach, remember: hot sand can burn paws just like hot pavement. Test sand with the back of your hand, and avoid the middle of the day.
4. Prepare for Fireworks, Parties & Noise Anxiety
Loud celebrations can be terrifying for pets. Plan ahead:
Keep pets indoors in a quiet, secure room.
Close windows, blinds, and turn on soothing music or the TV.
Ensure ID tags and microchips are up to date - just in case they panic and bolt.
For anxious pets, chat to your vet about calming aids or safe anxiety medication.
5. Be Mindful Around Visitors & Travel Plans
The festive season can bring new people, smells, and disruptions to routine.
Give your pets a quiet retreat space away from guests.
Remind visitors not to feed pets from the table, and to keep gates/doors closed.
If you’re travelling, arrange reliable pet care or check pet-friendly accommodation well in advance.
6. Keep Routine as Normal as Possible
Try to stick to regular feeding, walking, and playtimes. Routine helps pets feel secure, especially when the household feels busier than usual.
Make time for one-on-one time, or some quiet moments together, to give your pet time to regroup (we all know how that feels!).
A decent walk before holiday shenanigans can help take the edge off.
Put reminders in your phone for all routine pet care including feeding, exercise, any parasite preventions or medications, this can help ensure they don’t miss out.
7. Gift Ideas That Keep Pets Safe
If you’re gifting for your furry friend, consider enrichment toys, familiar treats, cooling mats, or new ID tags. Avoid cheap Christmas-themed treats or a free pass on the leftovers, which can seriously upset their tummy.
See our earlier blog for safe and easy Christmas gift ideas for your pet
Final Thoughts from Us
The holidays are all about connection - and that includes our pets. A few small safety steps can prevent a festive mishap and ensure everyone enjoys the season together.
🎄 From all of us at Lennox Head Vet Clinic, we wish you and your pets a safe, happy, and joy-filled holiday season!