Holiday pet safety: trees, plants, treats and visitors

Which holiday plants are dangerous for pets?

The safest plan, from both: keep holiday plants and flowers out of reach, or use artificial ones. The ASPCA keeps a full list of plants that are toxic and non-toxic to dogs and cats.

Is my Christmas tree safe for my pet?

• Anchor it. A pet climbing or playing can tip a tree over. The AVMA suggests tying it to the ceiling or a doorframe with fishing line.
• Cover the tree water. Standing water grows bacteria that can upset a pet's stomach (ASPCA). Don't add anything to the water if you have pets (AVMA).
• Skip the tinsel, especially with cats. Swallowed tinsel can cause vomiting and a blockage that may need surgery (ASPCA).
• Hang ornaments high. Broken glass can cut a mouth, and swallowed ornaments can block the gut. Keep ornaments made of salt dough or food out of reach too (AVMA).
• Hide the cords and batteries. A chewed cord can burn or shock a pet, and a bitten battery can burn the mouth (ASPCA). Unplug the lights when you go out (AVMA).
• Keep wrapped food gifts off the floor. Pets can smell what's inside (ASPCA).

Other decorations to keep out of reach

• Candles and oil lamps: never leave a pet alone in a room with one lit (AVMA).
• Ribbons, wreaths and gift wrap: can cause choking or a blockage if swallowed (AVMA).
• Snow globes: the ASPCA warns they can contain ethylene glycol (antifreeze), which is highly toxic and smells sweet to pets. Clean up a broken one thoroughly.
• Liquid potpourri: its oils can hurt a pet's mouth, eyes and skin (AVMA).
• Ice melt: salt can make pets sick. The ASPCA suggests pet-friendly ice melt.

Holiday food

The AVMA says to treat all chocolate as off limits for pets. Sweets and baked goods can contain xylitol, which the AVMA links to liver failure and death in dogs. Fatty scraps can cause pancreatitis, bones can cause choking or a blockage, and onions, raisins and grapes are poisonous to pets. Keep drinks with alcohol where pets can't reach them (ASPCA). The Thanksgiving page has the full food table, from the ASPCA's list of people foods.

Visitors and parties

• Give every pet a quiet room or crate away from the noise, where guests won't follow (AVMA).
• Tell guests ahead of time that you have pets, so anyone with allergies can plan.
• Watch the door as people come and go, and check your pet's tag and microchip details are current (AVMA).
• Ask houseguests to keep medicines in a closed cabinet, not a bag or suitcase on the floor (ASPCA).
• Take the trash out, with any strings and wrapping from the roast (AVMA).

Traveling or boarding

• The AVMA says a pet crossing state lines needs a health certificate from a vet, even by car.
• Restrain pets in the car with a harness or carrier, and never leave them alone in it (AVMA).
• Pack food, medicines, a copy of their records and a photo (AVMA).
• Boarding a dog? Ask your vet about vaccines and dog flu first (AVMA).

Jobs for the children

• Tree guard: tell a grown-up if you see the pet drinking tree water or chewing a cord.
• High hanger: help hang the breakable ornaments on the top branches.
• Quiet-room helper: set up a blanket, water and a toy in the pet's quiet room before guests come.