5 Ways To Pet-Proof Your Home For A Safe And Happy Holiday

As the holiday season kicks into high gear, your to-do list is likely overflowing with tasks that need your attention. Amid all the festivities, it’s easy to overlook necessary safety precautions, especially when it comes to your furry family members. From dazzling decorations to delicious treats, the holidays can pose unexpected risks for your pets.

Fortunately, your trusted vet in Billings, MT, is here to help you pet-proof your home and create a joyful, pet-safe holiday season. We've updated our holiday pet safety guide with new insights to ensure your celebrations stay cheerful and your pets stay safe and healthy.

1. Barricade your tree to keep your pet safe

Your Christmas tree may be the centerpiece of your holiday decor, but for your puppy or curious cat, it’s a playground full of tempting hazards. A pet-proof home starts with securing your tree to prevent accidents.

Tips to pet-proof your tree:

• Tree needles: Whether artificial or real, tree needles can harm your pet. Artificial ones may cause intestinal blockages, while real needles can irritate or injure the mouth or digestive tract. Keep an eye on dropped needles and vacuum regularly to prevent them from becoming a hazard.

• Ornaments: Fragile ornaments can shatter, leading to potential injuries. Use soft, shatterproof ornaments, avoid sharp metal hooks, and hang delicate items out of the paw’s reach.

• Tree water: Additives in tree water can be toxic. Use a covered tree stand to prevent curious pets from drinking contaminated or moldy water.

• Light cords: Twinkling lights are attractive, but they can be dangerous. Pets may chew cords, risking electrical burns or shock. Protect them with cord covers and unplug lights when unattended.

If this is your pet’s first Christmas, consider a tabletop tree or a baby gate to create a barrier, keeping the tree out of reach.

#2: Place delicate decorations well out of the paw's reach

From heirloom ornaments to ceramic nativity scenes, the holidays bring out our most cherished decorations. Unfortunately, these can be irresistible to pets and hazardous if knocked over.

Keep your decorations pet-proofed by:

• Displaying breakable items well above the floor

• Avoiding low-lying decorative villages or glass displays under the tree

• Choosing non-toxic, pet-friendly decor alternatives

Pet-proofing your home for the holidays ensures your sentimental keepsakes stay intact and your pet stays injury-free.

#3: Prevent door dashing during holiday gatherings

With guests coming and going, and arms full of gifts and food, doors can easily be left open. Your pet might seize the opportunity to dash out, especially during the excitement of holiday gatherings.

Holiday pet safety tip:

• Confine your pet to a crate or secure room during busy arrival times. Ensure beforehand that their ID tags are up to date and their microchip registration is current.

• Consider placing a visual reminder on your door for guests to watch out for pets.

• You can also train your pup to stay behind a baby gate or use a childproof latch on doors that may be accidentally left ajar.
  

#4: Limit holiday treats to pet-friendly options

The holidays often come with overindulgence, but sharing too many table scraps with your pup can lead to serious health issues like pancreatitis, gastrointestinal upset, or even poisoning.

Avoid holiday food hazards like:

• Cooked bones that can splinter

• Foods high in fat, like gravy or butter

• Chocolate, grapes, onions, and garlic are poisonous to pets

Instead, spoil your pup with:

• Plain mashed sweet potatoes

• Fresh carrots or green beans

• Boneless, skinless turkey in small amounts

Stick to pet-friendly treats, always supervise guests who may not know what’s safe for your pet, and check the ASPCA’s list of toxic foods so you know what's good or bad for your pet.

#5: Choose non-toxic plants for your Christmas tree and plant decor

Plants and floral arrangements can brighten any room, but several traditional holiday plants are unsafe for pets.

Watch out for these toxic plants:

• Holly & mistletoe – Highly toxic; can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and even heart issues.

• Lilies – Extremely dangerous to cats and should be avoided entirely.

• Christmas cactus – Can cause gastrointestinal upset if ingested.

While poinsettias aren’t as deadly as once believed, they can still irritate. To keep your pet-proof home festive and safe, opt for non-toxic plants like spider plants or Boston ferns, or go with artificial greenery.

Bonus tip: Bring your pet for a pet wellness exam before the holiday rush

As you're checking off your holiday to-do list, don’t forget to schedule a pet wellness exam for your furry friend. The excitement, noise, and routine changes during the holidays can cause stress or exacerbate hidden health conditions, especially in older pets or puppies experiencing their first festive season.

A pre-holiday pet wellness exam helps:

• Detect potential issues before they become emergencies

• Ensure your pet is healthy and up-to-date on vaccinations

• Discuss travel safety, boarding prep, or stress management with your veterinarian

Booking early helps avoid the seasonal rush and gives you peace of mind knowing your pet is healthy, happy, and holiday-ready. Your trusted vet in Billings, MT, is just a call away.

Frequently asked questions

1. What should I do to pet-proof the laundry room during the holidays?

The laundry room can hide many seasonal hazards. To maintain holiday pet safety, be sure to keep laundry and shoes off the floor, store cleaning products in a secure drawer, and install childproof latches on cabinets to prevent curious paws from exploring.

2. How can I protect my pet from holiday decorations?

Use puppy-proofing tips such as anchoring your tree to prevent tipping, using shatterproof ornaments, and hiding electrical cords. Keep tinsel, ribbon, and glass decorations well out of reach to avoid cuts, blockages, or choking hazards. Always ensure trash cans are covered or tucked away to stop pets from accessing dangerous debris.

3. What are the most common choking hazards during the holidays?

Decorations like ornaments, hooks, small toys, food wrappers, and specific holiday foods can all pose choking hazards. Place these items out of paw’s reach and clean up promptly after gatherings.

4. How do I create a pet-friendly space for holiday guests and gatherings?

Designate a quiet room where your pet can relax, especially during loud parties or when guests are coming and going. Keep their essentials close (bed, toys, water) and ensure that the trash, dangerous foods, and festive plants are out of reach.

Start pet-proofing your home for the holidays today

Your pet deserves a safe and joyful holiday season just as much as any other family member. From securing decorations to safeguarding every room, it’s essential to create a pet-proof home that keeps your furry companion out of harm’s way.

Don’t wait until an emergency arises. Schedule a pet wellness exam today to ensure your pet is healthy, protected, and ready to enjoy the festivities.

Call Billings Animal Family Hospital at (406) 245-4772 or contact us online to book your visit. Our compassionate team is here to make sure this holiday season is safe and memorable for you and your pet.