PET HOLIDAY SAFETY TIPS THIS CHRISTMAS

By: Door Buddy Editors      |     Published: 04 December, 2023

Have you recently welcomed a new pet into your home? Then you might still need to get around to all your pet-proofing.

In preparation for the festive season, now is the “purrrfect” time to get to that. You’ll be putting up your tree and enjoying quality time with your family, and keeping your pets safe and happy is “im-paw-tant”.

Here are some pet-proofing tips for new pet owners to consider:

• Limit access to the room where the Christmas tree will be using a Door Buddy. This will ensure the safety of your furbabies. You can let them in while you are there, supervising them until they are familiar with the tree and decorations. You can also keep an eye on the presents!

• Putting your pup on a leash while decorating, opening gifts and welcoming house guests is a great way to keep decorations safe while keeping an eye on your puppy.

• Use your Door Buddy to set up a safe spot where you can keep your pets when you need to. This should be a comfortable place where they can relax and are out of harm’s way.

PET HOLIDAY SAFETY WHEN DECORATING

Based on experience, we can only imagine that our pets think we spend hours putting up Christmas decorations so that they can play with them!

If this is your pet’s first Christmas, they will probably be especially excited about all the goodies.

However, not all Christmas decorations are safe for our fur babies, and that is why it is so important to know how to pet proof Christmas lights and decorations.

HOW TO PET PROOF YOUR CHRISTMAS LIGHTS

You spend so much time putting up Christmas lights and you certainly don’t want your pets pulling them down and chewing things they shouldn’t. However, accidents can happen.

Here are our top tips to pet proof your Christmas lights:

• Gather dangling light wires and duct taped them to the wall or secure them with electric tubing.

• Try to prevent your fur baby from chewing on wires by winding strings of light close to the center of your tree.

• Make sure you always unplug the Christmas lights when you’re not around.

• Use cord protectors to prevent pets from nibbling on the light cords.

HOW TO PET PROOF YOUR CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS

While decorating the tree and the house with beautiful Christmas ornaments is one of our favorite festive activities, it is “im-paw-tant” to remember that certain Christmas ornaments can be a holiday hazard for your pets.

Here are some top tips to pet proof your Christmas decorations:

• Stabilize your Christmas ornaments by clamping them to the tree.

• Hang larger, shatter-proof  ornaments on the bottom branches while placing fragile ornaments high on the tree.

• Don’t hang ornaments using traditional metal hangers, rather fasten ornaments to branches using wire or twine so that curious kitties can’t knock them off the wall or tree.

• Hang wall decorations up high so that they are out of your kitties' reach.

HOW TO CAT PROOF YOUR CHRISTMAS TREE

If you are the “pawrent” of a kitty, then cat-proof Christmas trees are probably on your wish list. However, dogs with Christmas trees can also be a “paw-blem”.

Our pets love to climb these, chew ‘em, knock them over, and can also ingest fallen pine needles. If not appropriately secured, Christmas trees can be dangerous when it comes to pet safety. Make sure you know how to cat-proof your Christmas tree this festive season.

ARE CANDLES SAFE FOR CATS? WHAT ABOUT FIRES?

We love how cozy a few candles and a crackling fire are during these winter months. Remember, don’t leave flames unattended when you have pets around. Instead, put them out and be on the safe side.

POISONOUS PLANTS FOR PETS - WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR?

As much as we love decorating our homes with gorgeous seasonal greenery, it’s “im-paw-tant” to be aware of pet-safe houseplants at Christmas (and in general).

Our fur babies have a habit of eating and playing with things they shouldn’t, and indoor plants are no exception! So, when it comes to pet-safe house plants for the festive season, here are a few poisonous plants for pets to avoid:

• Ivy

• Holly

• Mistletoe

• Poinsettias

• Christmas roses or hellebore

• Amaryllis

HOLIDAY FOOD SAFETY FOR PETS

If you ask us, the delicious festive food is definitely a highlight of this time of year. While our pets can get in on a lot of the yummy action, you’ll want to take note of  which foods are poisonous to cats and dogs.

MEAT AND BONES DO’S AND DON'TS

While tasty roast and bones might be tempting for dogs and cats at Christmas, steer clear of this and rather enjoy it yourself. Fatty meats are not healthy for our "floofs", and bones can easily splinter and cause serious health "paw-blems".

If you want to treat your dogs and cats this Christmas, head over to Shameless Pets and take a look at some of their festive pet treats.

CHRISTMAS CANDY PET DO’S AND DON'TS

There is always lots of this around at Christmas, which means it’s easy for our pets to get hold of some by accident. Chocolate and any sweets containing Xylitol are particularly toxic to our doggies, so pay special attention to store candy safely and keep it out of pet’s paws!

Don’t forget about the wrappers. Once you have enjoyed your candy, remember to throw these away so they don’t get swallowed.

OTHER FESTIVE INGREDIENTS DO’S AND DON’TS

Turns out there are quite a few ingredients we use in our Christmas cooking that aren’t good for our furbabies. Avoid giving your cats and dogs any of the following festive foods:

• Grapes or raisins

• Chives

• Coffee 

• Garlic

• Citrus

• Raw or undercooked fish, eggs, or meat

• Onions

• Salt

• Trash

If you are ever unsure of whether or not your pet can eat something, be sure to double-check with your vet before giving it to them.

HOLIDAY GUESTS AND PETS

This time of year is all about friends and family coming together. This means that your cats and dogs will be exposed to visitors they have never met before.

Having new people in your home (especially in larger numbers) can cause your pets to become a little anxious. The good news is that there are some things you can do to help your pet adjust to the holiday spirit.

INFORM YOUR GUESTS

Let your guests know before they visit you that you have pets. This will allow them to prepare, especially if they are nervous around animals.

You can also advise them where to put their belongings once at your house so that they are safe and out of your pet’s way. Remind your guests to keep any medicine out of your pet’s reach.

Be extra safe this Christmas and download our Howliday Safety Checklist to ensure you are ready for a pet safe holiday.

PREPARE YOUR PETS

Our doggos, in particular, need to be prepared to welcome guests. By starting etiquette training a couple of weeks before Christmas, you will help your dogs be ready to welcome guests when they arrive.

Keep your pup away from the door during guest arrivals and departures, and even encourage your pet to sit quietly during this time. Don’t encourage begging while guests are eating and don’t forget to reward good behavior!

DON’T FORGET YOUR ROUTINE

If you have developed certain routines with your pets, especially pups, try and stick to these as much as “paws-ible” during the holidays.

A dog that is well-exercised is likely to behave better. Playing with your kitties might help them steer clear of the tree. Keep feed times and potty times the same so that you don’t have accidents to clean up.

HOLIDAY OUTFITS AND PETS

There is nothing cuter than seeing our pets dressed up in their holiday bests and warm winter jackets. However, we need to remember that it is “paws-ible” for our dogs and cats to overheat when they are in their Christmas outfits.

Keep checking them when you do put their clothing on, and rather buy items that are suitable for the climate you are in.

TRAVELING WITH PETS SAFETY TIPS

If you are going to be traveling for Christmas and taking your fur babies with you, there are a few things you can do to make the trip easier and more comfortable for everyone.

Get your dogs and cats used to their crate a week or so before you travel. You will also want to make sure you have fresh water and snacks for the car, as well as a toy or two.

If you have a dog, make regular bathroom stops along the way. Don’t forget to keep the car at a temperature that your fur babies are happy with, and avoid loud music.

For safety reasons, make sure you have the details of the vet near me in case of an emergency. You can read more about traveling with cats on our blog.

CONCLUSION: PET HOLIDAY SAFETY TIPS THIS CHRISTMAS

As “pawrents” and parents ourselves, we understand that Christmas can get stressful. Door Buddy is here to help..

Our adjustable door strap is just what you need to pet and babyproof your home. In fact, we’d say it’s an essential pet safety item all year round.

Buy it on its own or with a cat door stopper that will prevent pinched fingers and tails and keep your door open for your kitty.

We recommend our Door Buddy door strap combo option to save yourself from getting up and opening your doors for the cats.

Applying our door latch in your home means giving your cat a place to eat, sleep, and use the litter box in peace this festive season.

Door Buddy works on most door types, including sliding, double, and bi-fold doors. You can also use our door latch to keep a dog in a room if you want to prevent it from getting into trouble with guests around. Your pup will be kept safe without being totally cut off from human contact.

So “pawrents”, get  ready to enjoy the festive season and keep your fur babies safe! If you haven’t already, don’t forget to download our Howliday Safety Checklist with all our pet holiday safety tips.