A Pet Parent’s Guide to Safe Holiday Decorating

The holiday season brings sparkling lights, festive scents, and cozy décor that transforms your home into something magical. While these decorations can make the season feel special for you, they can also introduce new sights, sounds, and temptations for your pets. Curious cats and excited dogs often want to explore anything new in their environment, which makes holiday prep a time where extra awareness goes a long way.

With a little planning, you can decorate safely, enjoy the festivities, and help your pet feel comfortable throughout all the seasonal changes, especially when guests, gatherings, and holiday routines start picking up.

Keep Holiday Plants Out of Reach

Seasonal plants like holly, mistletoe, lilies, and poinsettias can look beautiful, but many of them aren’t safe for pets. Even a small nibble can lead to digestive upset or discomfort. If you love incorporating greenery into your decorating, consider choosing pet-safe alternatives or placing plants on high shelves or hanging planters where curious noses can’t reach. When in doubt, assume your pet will try to investigate anything new in the house.

Secure Your Christmas Tree

Whether you choose real or artificial, trees are a major holiday attraction for pets as much as for people.

To keep things safe:

• Make sure your tree is anchored securely to prevent tipping
• Avoid fragile or sharp ornaments low on the tree
• Use pet-safe hooks instead of metal ornament hangers
• Keep cords tucked away or covered
• Block access to tree water, which can contain bacteria or fertilizer

Cats may see your tree as the world’s best climbing post, while dogs may be tempted by dangling ornaments or new smells. A stable setup helps prevent accidents before they happen.

Be Mindful With Lights, Cords, and Candles

Holiday lights warm up any space, but they can also be tempting chew toys. Keep cords secured to walls or furniture using cord covers or clips, and unplug decorations when you’re not home. If you love candles or wax warmers, place them high enough that pets can’t knock them over with a tail or paw. Battery-operated candles are a pet-friendly alternative that still give you the cozy glow.

Choose Pet-Safe Decorations

Not all decorations are created with pets in mind. Tinsel, ribbons, small figurines, jingle bells, and strings can be irresistible for cats and dogs but can cause problems if chewed or swallowed. When possible, choose larger, sturdy décor items or keep delicate or sentimental pieces in areas pets can’t reach. Soft blankets, festive pillows, and durable garlands give your home a holiday feel without adding hazards.

Create a Calm, Comfortable Space During Gatherings

Holiday gatherings naturally bring extra noise, activity, and new people into the home. This an be fun for you, but potentially overwhelming for pets. Guests coming and going, new smells, and shifting routines can make your pet feel overstimulated or unsure about what’s happening.

Offering a quiet, cozy room where your pet can decompress makes a big difference. Calm behavior can also be supported ahead of festivities by administering Stress Releaf Oils or Edibites before guests arrive. These stress support supplements are crafted to promote relaxation and help pets settle during high-energy events, making the evening smoother for both you and your four-legged family member. Incorporating a calm routine early (before the doorbell starts ringing or visitors walk in) can help your pet feel secure throughout the night.

Keep an Eye on Food and Treat Access

With holiday meals and snacks everywhere, pets often have more opportunities than usual to get into things they shouldn’t. Keep chocolate, baked goods, alcohol, and seasoned foods out of reach. Make sure guests know not to slip table scraps to your pet, even if your dog’s big eyes make them want to.

Making This Holiday Season Festive, Pet-Safe, and Peaceful

Holiday decorating should be joyful and stress-free for you and your pets. With thoughtful choices and a few safety measures, your home can feel festive without introducing unwanted risks. From anchoring your tree to keeping tempting décor out of reach and helping your pet stay calm during gatherings, simple adjustments go a long way in creating a cozy, pet-friendly holiday atmosphere. With a little preparation, you can enjoy a season full of warmth, celebration, and peace of mind.