The holidays are a time of joy, celebration, and plenty of chaos. From twinkling lights to tasty treats and visiting family, your home probably feels more festive (and crowded) than usual. But while you’re making memories, your pets might be feeling overwhelmed or worse, getting into something dangerous.
At Homey Gnome Veterinary Clinic in Oakdale, MN, our team sees more emergency calls during the holidays than almost any other time of year. Many of those emergencies could be avoided with just a few extra precautions. If your celebration includes pets, it’s worth making your home as safe for them as it is festive for guests.
Here are some of the most common holiday hazards to watch out for and how to keep your pets safe this season.
Holiday Guests Can Be Stressful for Pets
We often think of pets as part of the family, so it’s easy to assume they’ll enjoy having guests around. But for many dogs, cats, and exotic pets, a busy home full of unfamiliar people, noise, and activity can be a lot to handle.
Some pets may become anxious, hide under beds, or try to bolt out the door when guests arrive. Others might act out by barking, hissing, or even snapping, especially when cornered by small children.
To help your pet feel safe:
- Set up a quiet room with their bed, food, and toys, where they can retreat away from the crowd.
- Let guests know if your pet prefers space or shouldn’t be handled.
- Keep holiday music and loud conversations to a comfortable volume, especially if you have birds or small mammals that are sensitive to sound.
If your pet seems more withdrawn or stressed than usual, it may be worth talking with our veterinary team about calming supplements or behavioral strategies to help them feel more secure during busy times.
Glitter, Tinsel, and Electric Hazards
Decorating is a favorite holiday tradition, but not all that glitters is safe for your pets. Cats in particular are drawn to shiny, dangling objects like tinsel, ribbons, and ornaments, and dogs may chew on anything that looks like a toy.
Ingesting tinsel or ribbon can cause dangerous intestinal blockages, especially in cats. Fragile glass ornaments can break and cut paws or mouths. Electrical cords, batteries, and string lights can cause shocks, burns, or internal injuries if chewed on.
Here are a few simple ways to pet-proof your decorations:
- Secure your Christmas tree to prevent it from tipping if your cat climbs it.
- Avoid tinsel and loose ribbons altogether.
- Use cord protectors or hide wires out of reach.
- Choose shatterproof ornaments and keep them higher up on the tree.
A little prevention goes a long way in avoiding an emergency trip to your local Oakdale MN veterinarian.
Holiday Foods That Are Harmful to Pets
Those mouthwatering smells from your holiday kitchen? Your pets notice them too. But many popular holiday foods are toxic or dangerous to animals.
Foods to Avoid Giving Pets:
- Chocolate (especially dark and baking chocolate)
- Grapes and raisins (can cause kidney failure)
- Onions and garlic (toxic to dogs and cats)
- Xylitol (a sugar substitute found in gum, candy, and some baked goods)
- Alcohol and coffee
Even fatty table scraps like turkey skin, ham, or stuffing can upset your pet’s stomach or lead to more serious conditions like pancreatitis. And bones, even the “natural” kind, can splinter and cause choking or intestinal damage.
Instead, reward your pet with safe, veterinarian-approved treats. You can find great options in our online pharmacy, including dental chews and holiday-themed goodies designed just for pets.
Gift Wrap, Ribbons, and Stocking Surprises
It’s not just the food and decorations that can cause trouble. Gift wrap, ribbons, bows, and goodie bags can be just as dangerous.
Curious pets may dig through wrapped presents and find something harmful, like chocolate or a small toy that could be a choking hazard. Ribbons and string, if swallowed, can cause intestinal blockages requiring surgery.
If your pet tends to get into things, consider:
- Keeping wrapped gifts out of reach until it’s time to open them.
- Supervising pets during unwrapping to keep them from ingesting paper or ribbon.
- Storing stocking stuffers and edible gifts in closed cabinets.
Keep an eye out for signs of ingestion, like vomiting, drooling, pawing at the mouth, or a lack of appetite. If you notice anything unusual, contact your Oakdale MN veterinary team right away.
Exotic Pets Need Special Holiday Care
At Homey Gnome Veterinary Clinic, we know that not all pets have fur. If you share your home with birds, reptiles, rabbits, or other exotic animals, holiday safety takes a few extra steps.
Fragrances like scented candles, air fresheners, and sprays can be especially dangerous to birds and small mammals, who have more sensitive respiratory systems. Also, reptiles and amphibians rely on stable temperatures, which can fluctuate with frequently opened doors or a roaring fireplace.
Make sure to:
- Keep cages and enclosures in quiet areas away from heavy traffic.
- Avoid using scented candles or strong sprays near your pet’s habitat.
- Monitor heat sources closely to ensure your pet’s environment remains consistent.
If you have questions about how to keep your exotic pet safe during the holidays, we’re happy to help. We provide veterinary care for a wide variety of species and can offer tips tailored to your pet’s needs.
Know When to Call the Veterinarian
Even with your best efforts, accidents can happen. Knowing when to call the veterinary clinic can make all the difference in a positive outcome.
Call your veterinarian if your pet shows any of these signs:
- Vomiting or diarrhea that lasts more than 12 hours
- Refusing to eat or drink
- Lethargy or sudden behavior changes
- Bloated or hard abdomen
- Seizures or trembling
- Ingested chocolate, xylitol, ribbon, or an unknown substance
Our team at Homey Gnome Veterinary Clinic is here to help during the holidays. Keep our number handy: (651) 202-3388. You can also book an appointment online if you have any non-urgent questions or need a holiday health check-up.
A Safe, Joyful Season for Every Pet
The holidays should be happy for every member of the family including your pets. With a little planning and awareness, you can keep your home festive without risking your pet’s health or happiness.
Whether you’re hosting, traveling, or just relaxing at home, our team at Homey Gnome Veterinary Clinic in Oakdale, MN is here to support you. If you need guidance on stress relief, diet, or exotic pet care, we’re just a call or click away.
Looking for pet-safe treats or holiday essentials? Browse our online pharmacy for products recommended by our veterinary team.
Here’s to a season filled with peace, love, and wagging tails!