December 2025
🎄 A Very, Merry Pet-Proof Holiday: Navigating the Season With Joy, Jingle Bells & Zero Emergencies 🎄
Ah, the magic of the holidays; the house is filled with twinkly lights, delicious smells, mysterious packages, and absolutely irresistible hazards (at least according to your pets). While we do love the festive chaos, your four-legged family members may view this season as an interactive obstacle course designed specifically for them.
To help you survive the merriment with tails wagging and whiskers un-singed, we’ve gathered some of our favourite tips for a safe and cheerful, but still fun holiday season.
🎁 1. The Gift Wrap Gauntlet
To us: wrapping paper, ribbons, bows.
To pets: irresistible opportunities for sparkly mayhem
(Cats, we’re looking at you, the professional gift-unwrappers since the dawn of time)
Tip: Keep ribbon and string out of reach unless you enjoy emergency “what do they have in their mouth?” holiday adventures. Consider designating a ribbon-free wrapping zone, wrapping in a closed room (while your pet claws at the door like Johnny in The Shining), or distract your pet with a treat puzzle while you work. (Bribery is absolutely allowed.)
🌲 2. O Christmas Tree, O Climbing Structure
Let’s be honest: if you bring a fully decorated tree indoors and don’t think your pet is going to inspect it, you may be living in a fantasy movie.
Tips to prevent tree-toppling drama:
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Anchor your tree like it’s prepping for a windstorm.
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Skip tinsel (the ultimate forbidden snack).
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Keep breakable ornaments on higher branches and soft ones down low.
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For pets with an affinity for climbing, consider a decoy tree.
🍫 3. The Treat Table of Forbidden Wonders
Holiday snacks are delightful for humans, but for pets, they’re a buffet of “nope.”
Common culprits: chocolate, grapes/raisins, xylitol, alcohol, rich fatty foods, turkey bones, decorative gingerbread houses (yes, they will try to eat the entire thing).
Tip: Give pets their own holiday goodies. Unlike humans, most pets (and their tummies) are quite happy to accept the same treats that they get year round. Consider changing the presentation of the treat, instead of the treat itself. Fun, holiday puzzle feeders can provide both mental and physical stimulation as well as satisfying the need for something tasty. If you choose to offer them a treat that they have never had before, start with a small amount and assess for any signs of gastrointestinal upset. And don’t forget to remind guests: no caving to your pet’s demands, no matter how cute they look!
🕯️ 4. Candles: Because Flames and Fur are not Friends
A flickering candle is basically a tiny, open flame that says: “Hey, want to knock me over?”
Scented candles can also irritate sensitive respiratory systems, especially in pets with asthma.
Tip: Switch to flameless candles unless your holiday aesthetic includes unexpected singed whiskers. All of the ambience, none of the danger.
📦 5. Company’s Coming! Sound the Alarm!
Some pets view visitors as friends. Others view them as strangers who steal their spot on the couch.
Tips:
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Provide a quiet retreat room with familiar bedding.
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Keep IDs, collars, and microchips up to date (door dashing is a popular holiday sport).
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Remind guests not to hold the door open when bringing presents and other goodies into the house.
❄️ 6. Winter Walkies & The Mystery of the Sparkling Sidewalk
Ice melt products can irritate paws and bellies if licked off.
Tip: Wipe paws after walks or use pet-safe booties (bonus: adorable holiday fashion moment).
🎉 7. New Year’s Eve: The World’s Loudest Surprise
Fireworks, noise-makers, and clinking glasses: fun for humans, not always for pets.
Tip: Cozy den, calming music, pheromones (ie. Adaptil, Feliway), snuggles, and tasty distractions. Consider fear free medication if these events are known to be stressful for your pet. Ask us for more information.
🚨 Holiday Hours and Urgent/Emergency Care Information 🚨
Your pet’s safety is our priority, and we are here to support you throughout the holiday season.✨ Wishing You a Safe, Snuggly, Chaos-Free Holiday Season
With a little planning (and a lot of humour), your pets can enjoy the festivities just as much as you do. If you need advice, safe treat ideas, or help navigating a holiday mishap, we’re here to help.
Happy holidays from all of us. May your days be merry and your pets be on their best behaviour… or at least what they consider to be their best behaviour. 🐾🎅