Holiday Hazards for Your Pets: 5 Tips to Keep Them Safe This Christmas

Keeping Your Pets Safe This Festive Season

The festive season brings joy and celebration, but it also comes with hidden dangers for your pets. From tempting holiday treats to noisy fireworks, these hazards can pose serious risks if not managed carefully.

While it’s tempting to include your pets in the holiday fun, it’s important to be aware of potential risks.

In this blog, we’ll explore five common holiday hazards and provide practical tips to ensure your pets stay safe, happy, and healthy throughout the festive season.

1. Table Scraps & Toxic Foods

Sharing your holiday feast might seem harmless, but some festive foods can be dangerous for pets. Here are a few to watch out for:

• Pork crackling/bones: Can cause stomach upset or pancreatitis.
• Chocolate: Highly toxic—can trigger seizures or worse.
• Raisins/grapes: Found in mince pies, cause kidney failure.
• Garlic/onions: Damage red blood cells, leading to anaemia.
• Macadamia nuts: Can cause tremors and swollen joints.

How to keep your pet safe: Stick to lean meats or plain cooked vegetables for occasional treats. Let guests know not to feed your pets without permission. Keep food out of reach and offer pet-safe treats instead.

2. Fireworks and Loud Noises

Fireworks and loud celebrations may excite us, but they can be terrifying for pets. Many animals experience anxiety or even attempt to escape, putting them at risk of injury or getting lost.

Tips to keep your pet calm:

• Create a safe space: Set up a quiet room or crate where your pet feels secure.
• Block out the noise: Close windows, curtains, and doors, and play soothing music or turn on the TV.
• Distract with toys: Provide comforting distractions like food puzzles or favourite toys.

If your pet is particularly anxious, consult your vet about calming options or medications.

3. Heatstroke in Certain Breeds

For short-nosed breeds like Bulldogs, Pugs, and French Bulldogs, the warmer weather can pose serious risks. These breeds struggle to regulate their body temperature, making them more prone to heatstroke.

How to protect your pet:

• Keep them cool: Always provide fresh water and keep them indoors during hot days, especially above 24°C.
• Limit exercise: Avoid outdoor play in warm weather and opt for calm, indoor activities.
• Cool them down: Use damp towels to wipe your pet’s body and help lower their temperature.
• Know the signs of heatstroke: Watch for excessive panting, drooling, or lethargy.

If you suspect heatstroke, move your pet to a cool area immediately and contact your vet.

4. Updating Microchip and Identification

Holiday hustle means open doors and loud noises, raises the risk of pets running away. Keep their microchip and ID tags updated for a quick reunion.

Steps to keep your pet identified:

• Check the microchip: Ask your vet to scan it to ensure it’s functioning properly.
• Update contact info: Log in to Central Animal Records to confirm your details are current.
• Use ID tags: Ensure your pet wears a collar with your contact information for easy identification.

For added safety, keep your pet’s health records updated too.

Book your pet’s health check and vaccination today at Lilydale Vet Centre and start the year off right!

5. Holiday Plants and Decorations

Holiday decorations and plants make everything feel festive, but they can be harmful to your pet if they chew on or eat them. Here are some things to watch out for:

• Poinsettias: Can cause drooling and vomiting.
• Mistletoe/Holly: Risk of seizures or heart problems.
• Tree ornaments: Sharp or edible ones can injure or block.
• Tinsel/Strings: Can cause dangerous intestinal blockages if swallowed.
• Tree water: Avoid adding chemicals—they can be toxic to your pet.

Safety tips: Secure your tree, keep hazards out of reach, and use pet-safe decorations.

Keep Your Pet Safe and Healthy This Holiday Season

The holiday season is all about fun and celebration, and we want your pets to join in the festivities. With just a few easy steps—like avoiding harmful foods and preparing for fireworks—you can keep your furry friends safe and make sure they have a joyful Christmas.

While we always love welcoming our clients and their pets, we’d prefer you spend the holidays with your loved ones instead of at the clinic. Stay safe, enjoy the season, and keep your pets happy and healthy!