Holiday cheer can hide dangers for pets — the AVMA’s seasonal safety guide

Why the AVMA says the holidays need special attention

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) is reminding pet owners that the holidays bring a short, busy season of new risks for dogs, cats and other animals. New foods, decorations, guests and routines create lots of chances for accidents and poisonings that don’t happen the rest of the year.

That doesn’t mean you must be fearful. It means a little planning can keep most pets safe and let everyone enjoy the season. The AVMA’s message is simple: spot the likely hazards, make small changes at home, and know what to do if something goes wrong.

Common holiday hazards and how they hurt pets

Some dangers are obvious. Others hide inside everyday holiday things. Here are the usual culprits and why they matter.

• Foods: Chocolate, fatty table scraps, alcohol, xylitol (an artificial sweetener found in sugar-free items) and grapes or raisins can all make pets very sick. Effects range from upset stomach to life-threatening problems like low blood sugar, organ damage, or dangerous heart and brain effects.
• Plants: Poinsettias, holly and mistletoe are traditional decorations but some are mildly to severely toxic if chewed. Even non-toxic plants can cause stomach upset or mouth irritation.
• Decorations and wrapping: Tinsel, ribbons, strings, small ornament parts, gift bow loops and pieces of wrapping paper can choke or cause intestinal blockages if swallowed. Batteries and glitter can be poisonous.
• Lights, cords and candles: Pet teeth and claws can damage electrical cords and cause shocks. Open flames from candles and fireplaces are obvious burn risks, and toppled decorations can injure animals.
• New routines and guests: More people, new food on counters, travel and unfamiliar homes increase the chance a pet will grab something they shouldn’t or bolt out an open door.

Practical steps to pet-proof holiday life — room by room

These are easy, specific actions you can take so the festive parts of your home are safer for pets.

Trees, ornaments and living room setups

• Anchor the tree so it won’t tip if a pet jumps on it. Keep breakable and small ornaments higher on the tree, out of reach.
• Skip tinsel and thin ribbon if you have cats or small dogs; they look like fun but are often swallowed and cause blockages.
• Cover or hide electrical cords. Unplug string lights when you’re out or asleep.

Holiday meals and treats

• Keep foods with chocolate, xylitol, bones, alcohol, or heavy seasonings off counters and tables. Put leftovers away before guests leave.
• Offer pet-safe treats rather than people food. Buy or make snacks labeled for your pet’s species and size.

Guests, gifts and wrapping

• Tell visitors not to feed your pet from the table. Ask guests to keep purses and bags zipped so pets can’t steal candy or medications.
• Dispose of wrapping scraps, tape and ribbon in a closed trash can. Check gift boxes for small pieces a pet could swallow.
• Don’t give pets toys with small parts, batteries, strings, or cheap plastics that can break into sharp pieces.

Travel and winter weather

• If you travel, bring familiar items: bedding, food, and a carrier or crate. Keep pets secure in transit and watch for heat or cold stress depending on your destination.
• Wipe paws after walks to remove de-icing salt and antifreeze, both of which can be harmful if licked off.

Spotting trouble early: when to call a veterinarian now

Some signs mean a pet needs immediate care. Call your regular vet or an emergency clinic if you see persistent vomiting, severe diarrhea, tremors, seizures, trouble breathing, collapse, uncontrolled bleeding, or sudden inability to stand. If your pet swallows a battery, string, bone, or an unknown substance, treat it as urgent.

The AVMA also points to veterinary hotlines and poison-control services that operate around the clock. If you’re unsure how serious something is, reach out to your clinic and tell them exactly what happened and what your pet ate or encountered.

Gifts, giving and where to find trustworthy help

When buying a gift for a pet, choose sturdy toys made for the animal’s species and size. Avoid items with long strings, loose parts, or button batteries. If someone wants to surprise a child with a pet, pause — animals need long-term care and it’s best to plan the adoption with the whole household.

For more guidance, the AVMA offers seasonal safety tips and a vet locator to find local veterinary care. National poison-control services and pet poison hotlines can provide urgent advice by phone. Keep your vet’s number, the nearest emergency clinic, and your chosen poison hotline handy throughout the season.

A small amount of care can turn a risky holiday into a safe one. With a few simple steps, you can enjoy the celebrations and keep your pets healthy and happy.

Photo: Mikhail Nilov / Pexels

Sources

• prnewswire.com