Holiday Decoration Dos and Don’ts for Pet Owners
We love holiday warmth, but those festive decorations can pose sneaky risks to curious cats and playful dogs. To ensure a safe, stress-free celebration, the team at Rocklin Ranch Animal Hospital compiled a list of crucial “Dos and Don’ts” specifically for your holiday decor. Learn to spot hazards and protect your pets before they impact them.
Decorate With Safety in Mind
Holiday decorations bring sparkle and color into the home, but they may also grab your pet’s attention in the wrong way. Cats, in particular, love to climb and swat at dangling ornaments, while dogs may be tempted to chew unfamiliar objects.
- Hang ornaments higher on the tree where pets are less likely to reach them, and use secure hooks to prevent them from falling.
- Cover or tape down electrical cords to prevent chewing or tripping, especially if your pet is young or highly curious.
- Use a stable tree stand and anchor the tree (if possible) to avoid tipping accidents.
- Block off access to the tree when you’re not home or can’t supervise your pet.
A little preparation goes a long way in keeping both your décor and your pet safe.
Candles & Open Flames
Nothing sets the mood like candlelight, but open flames can be dangerous in a pet-friendly household. Pets may knock over candles or get too close without realizing the risk.
- Choose flameless, battery-powered candles for a similar effect without the hazard.
- If you do use traditional candles, place them well out of reach and never leave them burning unattended.
- Always extinguish candles before leaving the room or heading to bed.
These small changes help you maintain the ambiance without putting your pet in harm’s way.
Tinsel & Ribbons
Items like tinsel and ribbon may look festive, but to pets—especially cats—they resemble toys. If swallowed, they can cause serious internal blockages that require emergency surgery.
- Avoid using tinsel, or limit it to high, inaccessible places on the tree.
- Keep gift wrap supplies put away in closed containers when not in use.
- Offer safe alternatives like chew toys, puzzle feeders, or cardboard boxes to keep pets entertained during gift wrapping.
Being selective about decorative materials helps you avoid a preventable emergency.
Christmas Tree Water
That open tree stand can look exactly like a water bowl to your pet, but it’s one they need to avoid! Tree water often contains fertilizers, mold, and bacteria that can cause severe stomach upset.
You can cover Christmas tree water using tree collars or pet-specific covers or gates.
Holiday Plants to Avoid
Many beautiful holiday plants are toxic hazards to your dog or cat. To keep your pet safe and avoid unexpected vet visits, placement is everything!
Keep these common plants far out of reach:
- All Lilies (Extremely dangerous, especially to cats)
- Amaryllis
- Yew
- Holly and Mistletoe
- Snowdrops
What about Poinsettias?
The danger of poinsettias is often exaggerated. While the sap can cause mild stomach upset (like drooling or vomiting), they are generally not life-threatening. However, it’s still best practice to keep them out of your pet’s reach to prevent any unnecessary discomfort.
Guests, Noise & Quick Exits
A busy household can be stressful for pets. New faces, unfamiliar voices, and frequent door openings may cause anxiety or give your pet an opportunity to slip outside unnoticed.
- Set up a quiet room with your pet’s bed, water, and toys where they can retreat from the activity.
- Let guests know not to leave doors open or unattended.
- Check that your pet’s ID tags and microchip details are up to date in case they get lost.
Planning ahead can help reduce your pet’s stress and keep them safely indoors.
What To Do If You Need Urgent Care
Even with the best planning, accidents can still happen. If your pet becomes sick or injured, we offer same-day and next-day urgent care at our 2201 Plaza Drive location in Rocklin. Please note that urgent care services are not available at our Pacific Street hospital.
Whether it’s a minor mishap or something more serious, knowing where to go—and when—can make all the difference.
A Safer, Calmer Holiday Season
A few thoughtful steps can go a long way toward preventing accidents and keeping your pet safe. But if you suspect your pet has gotten into something they shouldn’t have, and they seem unusually tired, restless, withdrawn, or just not acting like themselves, don’t wait.
Call or text (916) 624-7387 to get in touch with the team at our urgent care location. We’ll discuss your pet’s symptoms and help you determine the steps to take. We’re here to support your pet’s health through the holidays and beyond.