The tinsel twinkles. The ham hypnotises. The guest list is full of well-meaning humans who swear they won’t slip your pet anything from their plate. Meanwhile, your furry friend is under the table and waiting patiently for Uncle Bob to “accidentally” drop something delicious.
It’s a wonderful time of year, but it can turn into a stressful blooper reel if we forget how curious, crafty, and lightning-fast pets can be!
Whether you’re a pet parent prepping your home or a pet sitter stepping into assist, this pet safe xmas guide helps keep the celebrations sparkling and the fur balls safe.
Below are ten things worth remembering before the festivities reach full jingle-mode.
Do’s, don’ts & festive survival tips those with pets
1. Watch for increased opportunities to escape
Doors are constantly opening to allow guests to spill in, carols are being belted out by Nanna Judy, and the sound of bon-bons are being blasted through the house…
Your pet is looking for any opportunity to bolt for freedom!
It doesn’t take much for a door to stay open two seconds too long, and suddenly they’re halfway down the driveway on their own festive side quest.
How to keep it pet safe:
Set up a quiet room, keep doors latched, tell guests about your little Houdini’s potential antics, and give pets a cosy spot where the only drama is the fluffiness of their bed.
2. Festive feasts: delicious for humans, dangerous for pets
A true pet safe xmas means guarding your platter like the crown jewels.
Because if it’s on your plate, your pet wants it. Right? Chocolate, cooked bones, grapes, raisins, ham rind, fatty meats, and anything sweetened with xylitol turn into trouble faster than you can say pavlova. And by trouble, we mean a mad dash to the emergency vet.
How to keep it pet safe:
Give guests a friendly warning not to “accidentally” drop anything. While some may think it’s a harmless little treat, it’s putting your pet in very real danger. A quick heads-up can save a whole lot of midnight vet visits. Read up on some dog-friendly xmas food options >
3. Decorations can be dangerous, too
If it dangles or sparkles, it’s at risk of being your pet’s next chew toy! Pets sees baubles, tinsel and the cute little fairy lights as something new and fun to play with. Tinsel = choking hazard. Glass ornaments = cuts. Lights = electric shock.
How to keep it a pet safe xmas:
Anchor the tree, disguise cables, place dangling ornaments up high, and use citrus peels under the branches to keep curious noses away.
4. BBQs are a pet’s temptation wonderland
Summer holidays and BBQs are a power couple! Especially ‘shrimp on the barbie’, right?! But hotplates, sizzling meats, and tempting smells can spell trouble for roaming snouts. It only take a second for a cat to leap up and attempt to steal something, or a dog to try and knock the BBQ stand in the hopes of food toppling off.
How to keep it pet safe:
No sharing cooked bones, onions or seasoned/marinated meats. Be sure not to leave the gas bottle or hot plates unattended. And close the BBQ lid when you’re no longer using it (the delicious smells linger and will entice them).
By the way, if you’re wondering, ‘Can dogs eat prawns?’, you (and they) are in luck. Find out more >
5. Fireworks & loud noises = a stress storm for pets
While you enjoy the show, most pets hear the soundtrack of doom. Given dogs can hear 5x more acutely than humans (and cats even more than that!), the loud noises and flashes of light cause considerable stress for our furry friends.
How to keep it pet safe:
Secure the yard (in case of escapes), make sure their microchip/ID is up-to-date, and create a safe space for them to retreat to (with their bed and soothing music).
6. Festive plants that are on the naughty list
Poinsettia, mistletoe, holly, lilies. All charming, all toxic. They may look merry and bright, but these festive plants can stir up everything from tummy trouble, drooling and vomiting to heart issues and dangerous kidney complications.
How to keep it pet safe:
Choose pet-friendly plants or faux foliage. Your décor will still shine, minus the emergency-room plot twist! Might be good to give relatives a heads-up too, so they don’t bring a festive bouquet or green gift that will cause trouble.
7. Wrapping paper and ribbon are risky
Under the tree sits an enchanted forest of paper, bows, and play toys meant for family members that aren’t four-legged (figurines, toys with batteries, plush toys etc). During the great gift-unwrapping frenzy, pets can think these items are part of their playtime.
How to keep it a pet safe xmas:
No need to cancel Xmas! You’ll just need to keep small toys, batteries, and ribbon out of reach so your pet doesn’t swallow anything that wasn’t meant for them.
8. Guests bringing pets needs a plan
The more the merrier…. in most cases! A festive gathering can quickly become a turf war without proper introductions. For a pet safe xmas, it’s important to plan ahead so tails don’t get tangled and tempers don’t flare.
How to keep it pet safe:
Start in a neutral area and introduce the pets away from doors, tables, or beds to reduce territorial stress. Monitor their play (especially early on), separate food bowls, and provide escape zones if social batteries run low.
9. Naughty behaviour? They may be stressed
Stressed pets can show signs of misbehaving. Behind the pacing, hiding, sudden barking, or odd behaviour is usually an overwhelmed furball trying to cope with the whirlwind that is Xmas day.
How to keep it a pet safe xmas:
Spot the early signs of stress in dogs and cats (panting, pacing, trembling, withdrawal). Offer calm cuddles and reassurance. And don’t be afraid to let your guests know to give them space, too. Sometimes the best gift you can give is a quiet break!
10. Stick to structure and normal routines where you can
Long days out, late nights, shifting routines and last-minute dashes to the shops can leave pets a bit lost. Because pets are creatures of habit, it can really throw them off.
How to keep it pet safe:
Stick to regular walks and enrichment where possible. If the holidays have you stretched thin, a pet sitter can keep their world steady while yours becomes a festive cyclone!
Creating a pet safe xmas isn’t about limiting joy. It’s about keeping pets comfortable, sitters confident, pet parents relaxed and the festive mood sparkling (without unexpected detours to the vet).
If the season gets too busy for regular routines, that’s where a Mad Paws Pet Sitters shines! They keep the calm, the cuddles, and the creature comforts flowing. Browse pet sitters near you >
