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December 2025- Pet Safety Tips For A Purr-Fectly Happy Holiday


You better watch out! There’s lots of fun to be had during the holidays, but also quite a few hazards for your pet. Here are a few safety tips to keep your pet jolly this season.

  • Keep chocolate and sweets out of reach. The darker the chocolate, the higher the concentrations of caffeine and theobromine, which are highly toxic to pets. Xylitol, an artificial sweetener often found in candy, peanut butter, and chewing gum, has been linked to liver failure and death in dogs.
     
  • Curb the table scraps. Gravy and fatty meats like turkey skin and ham are on the naughty list for pets. They can be hard for animals to digest and even cause pancreatitis, and bones can lead to extremely dangerous GI blockages.
     
  • Christmas tree cautions. For many cats, the holiday tree is an endless source of fun…and danger. Consider tying your tree to a stationary object to keep it from tipping. Water additives can be hazardous to your pets, so don’t add aspirin, sugar, or anything else to the water reservoir of your tree stand.
     
  • Decorate with care. Festive decor is part of holiday fun but be aware of decorations that can pose safety hazards to our pets. Tinsel and other small items can cause GI blockages, and scented candles or potpourri can be toxic to pets.
     
  • Beware of mistletoe and other poisons. Nice for getting a kiss, mistletoe is nevertheless dangerous for pets. Amaryllis, balsam, pine, cedar, and holly are also hazardous. While not as poisonous as some plants, Poinsettias are still troublesome for animals if ingested.
     
  • They’re not always that kind of party animal. If you’re having a holiday party, consider keeping your pet confined in a comfortable, quiet room during the festivities. Not only does this help to keep them less anxious, but it also eliminates the possibility of escape or dietary naughtiness.

 
One of the most important things you can do to ensure your pet’s safety any time of year is to know the location and phone number of the nearest 24/7 emergency veterinary clinic. It’s also a good idea to keep the ASPCA’s Poison Control number handy: 1-888-426-4435 (a fee may apply). They also maintain a list of substances hazardous to pets on their website.
 
Have questions about preparing your pet for the holidays or need to schedule an appointment? Call us at (310) 545-6596.

*This promotion is valid for new clients only and may be used once per client. Cannot be combined with other offers or promotions. Other restrictions may apply.