As the holidays approach, keep in mind that pets often manage to find ways to get into trouble and seemingly innocent behaviors, such as chewing or begging for table scraps, can quickly turn dangerous and with the holiday distractions, it can be difficult to keep a close eye on them.

Holiday Decorations

As festive as seasonal decor may be, it can also present a serious health and safety threat to your pet. For example, glittering strands of holiday tinsel can quickly be fatal if consumed, getting wrapped in your pets’ intestines and requiring immediate veterinarian attention or surgery.

Ornaments are especially enticing to cats, who love the reflections and shadows that they can create. Tackling such items could bring down a tree, short an electrical wire or shatter fragile ornaments creating risk of injury to delicate paws.

Here are some other decorations to be mindful of during the holidays.

Lights

When decorating your home, there are a number of decorations with twinkle lights or other electrical elements that can pose a risk, such as icicles, netting and garland. These items can all cause electric shock if your pet chews or tries to eat the wires, so owners should keep an eye out for any fraying or signs of chewing on cords.

Punctured batteries can cause severe burns to the mouth and esophagus, so keep batteries out of your pet’s reach. Nationwide recommends using a grounded three-prong extension cord for extra safety.

Candles

The National Fire Protection Association reports that between 2014 and 2018, U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated 7,610 home structure fires. Each of these fires was started by candles — a source which accounts for an average of 81 deaths and $278 million in property damage each year. However, damage caused by pets generally isn’t covered by insurance, meaning you could be on the hook if a pet knocks over a candle that starts a fire.

Be sure to move all candles well out of reach, and never leave them burning unattended. Not only can your pets be hurt from fire and hot wax, but you could risk burning the house down if an errant pet knocks over a table or display.

Essential Oils

Safer than candles, essential oils can seem like the best way to make your home instantly feel more cozy and festive. But although there is limited research available on the extended effects of essential oils on animals, some have been proven to be toxic or even fatal if ingested by your pets.

According to the ASPCA, permethrin is the most common cause of toxicity of cats, causing tremors. Unfortunately, it’s used in many household products, so be sure to check the labels of anything that could be within your pet’s reach. You should also avoid the use of certain oils in active oil diffusers, such as nebulizers and ultrasonics, which can cause respiratory issues to your pet if inhaled and are poisonous if ingested.

Toxic Foods and Plants

Everyone loves a great holiday celebration, but many of our favorite foods and plants are actually extremely harmful — even deadly — to our furry companions. Before you plan your holiday menu, there are considerations to keep in mind regarding edible plants and food choices.

Plants

Nationwide includes reference to certain holiday plants to watch out for this holiday season. Plants like mistletoe, poinsettia and lilies can all be extremely toxic to pets and even lethal. If you must bring them into your home, keep them out of reach. Should they become ingested, call the Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) at 1-888-426-4435.

use the ASPCA’s toxic plant search tool to look up others not included here.

Food

Visiting family and holiday parties means constant entertaining with yummy spreads left out for casual grazing. However, many of these foods can be very harmful to your pets.

For example, xylitol is an artificial sweetener found in many baked goods and candy that has been linked to liver failure and even death in canines. Also harmful are fatty meats, such as turkey — and its bones, which can cause internal injury to pets if ingested.

Keep the following foods away from your dogs and cats for safety-sake:

Foods to Avoid for Dogs & Cats

ChocolateNutmegOnions NutsCaffeineRaw eggsFatty foodsRaw meat Apple seedsRhubarbRaisinsSaltMushroomsAlcoholFat trimmings and bonesGarlicMilk and dairy productsGrapes

Party Safety

The holidays often bring higher foot traffic through the home. Like young children, pets can have some trouble adjusting to the sudden crowd and noise that can cause disruption to daily routines. Some pets may not be as outgoing or adjusted as others, so you may need to keep your pets separate from guests until they can acclimate to all of the excitement.

Although your pets should be kept separate from high-anxiety situations, you should never leave your animals outside in the freezing temperatures or other winter elements are present.

Here are some tips to help your pet better adjust to the festivities this holiday season.

Helping your pet adjust to company

New visitors mean new sights, sounds and smells that can be both unfamiliar, and thus distressing, to your pet.

Ask your guests to keep food, decor and other items somewhere secure where your pets won’t be able to gain access. Pets also love to scavenge the trash for leftovers, so choose secure lids for trash cans and make sure everyone disposes of all garbage immediately.

Visiting guests or hosts may also be unfamiliar with the dos and don’ts of pets. The wrong treat from a well-intentioned guest could easily mean a serious vet bill or, worse, the loss of your pet. Also, the constant arrival and departure of guests can result in frequently opened doors that provide the perfect escape for your pet.

The best thing to do is to find a safe, comfortable and climate-controlled space, such as an extra bedroom, where your pets can enjoy their time in peace and safety. Be sure to provide food, water and adequate lighting. Music or sound machines can help drown out the sound of exuberant guests, and a favorite chew toy or blanket can help them relax and nap until the visit is over.

Bottom Line

The holidays can be a busy and exciting (sometimes stressful) time for the whole family, and that includes the furry members of your household, too. In all of your holiday planning and preparations, don’t forget to give special consideration to your pets who may require a little more of your attention this holiday season.

The most wonderful time of the year can quickly become the most dangerous to your pets if you aren’t careful. Err on the side of caution this year by removing any potential hazards and keeping your pet safe in secure accommodations, wherever you go.