The holiday season brings sparkle and joy into our homes, and for people with pets, that includes the wagging tails and excited purrs of our animal companions. Our team at Center Veterinary Clinic in Novato loves seeing pets included in the winter festivities, but we also know some of those beautiful decorations can pose hidden risks to dogs and cats. With a few thoughtful adjustments, you can keep your home festive and your pet safe this holiday season.
Safe Décor Habits for Holiday Home with Pets
Pets explore the world primarily by sniffing, licking, biting, and pawing. Lights, hanging ornaments, scented candles, garlands, and even strategically placed plants become irresistible to curious paws and mouths. The result for pets can be minor injuries or worse. However, most of these risks are preventable with some simple planning. Here are our tips for decorating for the holidays with pets around.
Secure Christmas Trees & Use Stable Base
Whether you’re using a natural evergreen or an artificial one, a Christmas tree should be firmly anchored so it cannot topple onto a curious pet. Also, keep tree water covered and out of reach. This habit is not just for cleanliness, but because stagnant water or additives can upset your pet’s stomach if they drink from it.
Choose Pet‑Friendly Ornaments
Shiny ribbons, tinsel, and dangling strings may look lovely but are major hazards, especially for pets who might chase or swallow them, leading to possible intestinal blockages. Breakable ornaments present a risk of cuts and pieces getting swallowed if they’re broken. Opt for shatter‑proof ornaments or place them high up on the tree on a sturdy branch.
Hide Electrical Cords & Lights
String lights and extension cords are magnets for animals who are nibblers. Chewing a live cord can cause burns, shock, or more serious emergencies. Keep cords secured and out of reach, or invest in cord protectors and supervision.
Use Candles and Scents with Caution
Holiday candles on a menorah, scented oils, and open flames add ambiance that many pet owners love. These decorations, unfortunately, can risk burns or poisoning (in some cases) if knocked over or licked. Choose flameless LED candles and pet‑safe scents. Always supervise if any flame or heat source is in a pet‑accessible area.
Choose Safe Plants and Greenery
Many traditional holiday plants, like poinsettias, holly, mistletoe, and lilies, pose mild to serious toxicity risks for pets. Presented as greenery around doorways or on tables, they’re dangerously accessible. Either display them very high out of reach or select artificial or pet‑safe alternatives.
When to Reach Out to a Vet
If your pet eats something they shouldn’t, such as a string of lights, tinsel, ribbon, or a toxic plant, or swallows water with chemicals from under the tree, you should seek urgent veterinary care for your pet. Early action reduces the risk of severe complications. Contact a veterinarian to let them know what happened, and they’ll give you advice and/or treat your pet as necessary.
Urgent Treatment for Pets in Novato, CA
Decorating for the holidays doesn’t have to compromise your pet’s safety. With a few thoughtful adjustments, you can combine festive flair and animal companionship without worry. Let the memories be joyful, the home be bright, and the tail wags go uninterrupted.
Center Veterinary Clinic has urgent veterinary services in Novato during business hours for cats and dogs from San Rafael, San Anselmo, Fairfax, and nearby California areas. Call our veterinary clinic if your pet needs care. If your pet needs to be treated urgently while we are closed, please contact the closest 24-hour emergency vet.