Holiday Tips for Pet-Friendly Decorations, Traditions, and Parties

As Christmas approaches, it’s crucial to consider the safety of pets while decorating and celebrating. Many popular decorations can pose hazards to cats and dogs, so it’s essential to identify and avoid these risks. Embracing the holiday spirit, why not start new traditions that include your pets? From planning a fun dog holiday party, complete with a safe environment, tasty treats, and engaging games, to adapting home decorations for the safety of curious cats, these festive ideas summarized from previous blog posts will ensure a joyous and secure holiday season for your beloved furry companions (click the headers to read original posts).

Decorations Pets Should Avoid Amid Holidays

1. Poinsettia: Large amounts can cause vomiting in pets. It’s advised to place them out of pets’ reach​​.
2. Mistletoe: Toxic in large quantities, causing diarrhea, vomiting, and labored breathing​​.
3. Holly: Various types can be toxic, leading to similar health issues​​.
4. Yew: Highly poisonous, potentially life-threatening​​.
5. Christmas Cactus: Can cause vomiting and diarrhea but is less dangerous​​.
6. Pine Cones: Pose a choking hazard​​.
7. Presents: Wrappers and ribbons can cause blockages if ingested​​.
8. Christmas Lights: Risk of entanglement, burns from chewing, and potential electrocution​​.
9. Tinsel: Can cause blockages if consumed​​.
10. Batteries: Small size poses a swallowing risk, causing irritation or obstruction​​.
11. Chocolate: Particularly toxic to dogs; ensure it’s out of reach​​.
12. Guests: Pets may react unpredictably; introduce them to guests gradually​​

Holiday Traditions with Pets

1. Ugly Dog Sweaters: Host an ugly sweater party for both humans and dogs, complete with a contest for the ugliest sweater.
2. Baking Goodies on Holiday: Bake dog treats along with human treats.
3. Picking the Perfect Tree: Involve your dog in selecting a Christmas tree.
4. Visiting Nursing Homes or Hospitals: Take your dog to visit people in nursing homes or hospitals.
5. Christmas Movies with Pets: Watch Christmas movies featuring pets​​.

Throwing A GREAT Dog Holiday Party: Part 1

1. Party Location: Choose a pet-friendly indoor or outdoor area.
2. Party Theme: Consider fun themes like Ugly Dog Sweater, A Snoopy Christmas, Santa Paws & His Crew, etc.
3. Guest List: Invite friendly dogs and consider the temperament and compatibility of the canine guests.
4. Invitations: Send out invites including a request for leashes and toys​​.

Throwing A GREAT Holiday Dog Party: Part 2

1. Food: Serve dog-friendly items like cut-up hot dogs, plain hamburgers, grilled veggies, and special treats.
2. Activities: Include dog training sessions, a doggy photo booth, an agility course, and a bone hunt​​.

Cats and Holiday Tree Safety

1. Securing the Tree: Anchor the tree firmly to prevent toppling.
2. Ornaments: Avoid tensile and fragile ornaments that can harm cats.
3. Hide Wires: Conceal electrical wires to prevent cats from chewing them.
4. Watering the Tree: Regularly water the tree to prevent pine needles from falling off.
5. Gifts: Avoid using ribbons on gifts under the tree and keep treat baskets out of reach​​.