The holidays are full of glowing lights, irresistible food, and festive chaos — which is exactly why our dogs and cats often consider December their own personal adventure month. Here are some of the most common holiday hazards to watch for, plus simple ways to keep your pets safe (and out of the emergency room).
1. The Christmas Tree: A Sparkly Tower of Temptation
Dogs see it as a giant indoor stick. Cats see it as Mount Everest with twinkle lights.
Either way, your tree can pose risks:
Pine needles can irritate stomachs when eaten.
Tinsel is a cat magnet — and a bowel obstruction waiting to happen.
Ornaments (especially glass or edible ones) can shatter or be swallowed.
Tip: Secure your tree, avoid tinsel, and keep breakable ornaments higher than your pet’s reach… which, for some cats, may mean the ceiling.
2. Holiday Treats: Delicious for Us, Dangerous for Them
Northern Illinois holiday tables tend to feature chocolate, fudge, cookies, and all the goodies pets should absolutely not sample.
Common holiday toxins:
Chocolate (especially dark and baking chocolate)
Xylitol in sugar-free candies and baked goods
Grapes/raisins (think fruitcake!)
Alcohol (pets don’t need “just a sip” of eggnog)
Tip: Create a “pet-free food zone” when preparing or serving meals — especially when kids are involved.
3. Candles & Scents
Pets and flames don’t mix. Cats are notorious for tail-dipping, and dogs will investigate anything that smells like cookies.
Hazards:
Knocked-over candles
Essential oils (some are toxic to pets especially cats) and could cause skin irritation, liver failure and seizures.
Potpourri – (both liquid and dry) often containing essential oils and detergents can cause severe chemical burns of the mouth, drooling, gagging, vomiting, loss of coordination, muscle tremors and difficulty breathing.
Tip: Use battery-operated candles and keep essential oils well out of reach.
4. Gift Wrap, Ribbons, and Those Irresistible Crunchy Bows
Cats especially LOVE ribbon — unfortunately, once swallowed, ribbon does not love them back.
Tip: Clean up wrapping materials quickly and avoid leaving gift bags or ribbon piles unattended. Bonus: your living room stays much tidier.
5. Winter Weather Risks in Northern Illinois
The cold hits hard here, and pets face extra seasonal challenges:
Salt and ice melt can burn paw pads.
Antifreeze is highly toxic and often licked off driveways. And, the same chemical is found in many “snow globes” in our homes!
Frigid wind chills can cause frostbite fast — even during quick bathroom breaks.
Tip: Use pet-safe ice melt, rinse paw pads after walks, and bundle up short-haired dogs with a coat.
6. Festive Plants
Some popular holiday plants are beautiful… and dangerous.
Poinsettias: once thought to be highly toxic are actually only a mild skin and mouth irritant
Lilies: extremely toxic to cats causing rapid and severs kidney failure.
Mistletoe: can cause vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, breathing and heart issues including shock and death within hours
Holly: berries and leaves can cause vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain
Tip: Choose pet-safe decorating alternatives or place plants well out of reach.
Holiday Safety Checklist
Secure the tree
Skip the tinsel
Keep toxic foods out of reach
Use pet-safe candles and scents
Protect paws from ice melt
Keep dangerous plants high or out of the house
Remind visiting friends/family about door safety (holiday door-dashers are real!)
Final Thoughts
The holidays are meant to be joyful, cozy, and full of love — and with a little extra awareness, they can be just as safe for your four-legged family members. Our pets may not understand the season, but they definitely enjoy the extra snuggles, warm blankets, and dropped crumbs (the safe ones, anyway).
If you ever have questions about holiday safety — or if your pet gets into something they shouldn’t – don’t hesitate to reach out to our clinic! That’s what we are here for and a quick call can save a lot of worry!