Holiday Pet Safety Tips: Toxic Plants, Foods, and Décor to Avoid
Including pets in holiday celebrations has become a cherished tradition for many families. From playfully swiping at the Christmas tree to curiously pawing at presents, our furry friends bring endless joy to the season - especially when dressed in adorable (albeit pricey) holiday sweaters.
However, amidst the festive cheer and quality time with loved ones, it's easy to overlook potential hazards for our pets. To avoid starting off 2026 with a trip to the vet, we've compiled a list of six common holiday pet hazards, along with tips for creating a pet-friendly home. Plus, in our detailed guide, check out practical tips for cleaning up after pets!
1. Deck the Halls with Pet-Safe Plants (Avoid the Toxic Ones!)
No holiday celebration feels complete without decorations - and festive holiday plants are often the centerpiece of it all. However, while poinsettias, azaleas, holly, and mistletoe add charm to your home, they can be mildly toxic to pets. Even more concerning for pet owners, especially those with cats, are lilies and yew, which can cause severe reactions and should be kept well out of reach of your furry friends. Be sure to look up which decorations and plants can be harmful to your pet for a non-toxic holiday home!
2. Label Gifts to Prevent Accidents
Gift exchanges are a holiday highlight, but it's important to mark any presents that aren't pet-friendly. Use a non-toxic marker to keep curious paws and noses away from potentially harmful surprises. Your furry friends - and their owners - will appreciate the extra care! While we're on the topic, it's worth noting that AspenClean's entire collection of cleaning products is pet-safe, making your home safer for everyone this holiday season.
3. Holiday Foods Pets Should Never Eat
Those irresistible begging eyes can be hard to ignore, but it's crucial to be mindful of what holiday foods are dangerous for pets. Many festive foods, including raisins, grapes, chocolate, coffee, onions, fatty foods, yeast dough, macadamia nuts, and alcoholic beverages, are toxic to animals. If you'd like to treat your pet, a small piece of plain, well-cooked, skinless, unseasoned turkey is safe - but remember, moderation is key. And for a cleaner holiday kitchen, skip washing the turkey (as we explain in our tips for keeping the holidays hygienic). Keeping your pets healthy and your home clean makes the holidays more joyful for everyone!
4. Avoid Ribbons & Bows: Common Choking Hazards
Let’s face it - no matter how much you spend on a gift, your pet will always prefer the simple joy of a cardboard box or some wrapping paper. There’s nothing like watching them ignore the expensive present and fall in love with the packaging instead. However, be cautious with ribbons and bows, as they can pose choking hazards or cause harm if ingested. Keeping your pet safe during the holidays is the best gift you can give them!
5. Christmas Tree Safety Tips
Holiday trees may be the centerpiece of your festive décor, but to your pets, they're oversized, pine-flavored chew toys. With this in mind, it's essential to decorate safely and pet-proof the Christmas tree. Place breakable ornaments higher up to avoid surprise attacks from curious paws. Pets can easily knock these ornaments over - and even ingest them. The same goes for tinsel and garland, which can be choking hazards or cause digestive issues. Protecting your pets ensures your holiday stays joyful and stress-free!
6. Pet-Safe Home Cleaning Services
Accidents can happen even with the best efforts to keep your home safe and organized for pets. If you’re in Vancouver, Calgary, or Toronto, a house cleaning service that uses pet-safe products can be a lifesaver during the busy holiday season. These experts specialize in pet-safe cleaning, making them a fantastic option for your furry family members.
Keeping your pets safe can feel overwhelming, but it doesn't need to be. From preparing with these tips to choosing non-toxic options throughout your home, you can prevent pet hazards before they happen. For more insights on pet-safe cleaning products, sustainability tips, and cleaning hacks, visit our blog for regular updates.