As the holidays roll in, our homes fill with tempting treats, decorations, and gatherings—fun for us, but sometimes risky for our four-legged friends. From spooky Halloween nights to cozy Thanksgiving dinners and festive Christmas celebrations, these holiday pet safety tips will help keep tails wagging safely all season long.
Halloween Safety: Keep Calm and Visible Amid the Spooky Fun
Between doorbell rings, costumes, and candy, Halloween can overwhelm even the most easygoing pets.
Keep animals calm:
When trick-or-treaters start knocking, use calming aids to help reduce stress. Try ThunderWunders Calming Chews, a natural way to support relaxation, or a ThunderShirt Anxiety Shirt to help dogs feel secure. For anxious felines, NaturVet Quiet Moments Soft Chews can provide natural support.
Stay visible after dark:
Evening walks are safer with reflective and LED gear. Clip on a Nite Ize LED Safety Necklace, try a PetSafe Reflective Harness for added visibility, and pair it with a Lupine Reflective Leash.
Avoid toxic treats:
Chocolate, xylitol, and raisins are common hazards. Keep all human sweets out of reach and offer pet-safe snacks instead. Bocce’s Bakery Halloween Treats, Yoghund All-Natural Pumpkin Yogurt Cups, and Tiki Cat Pumpkin & Wheatgrass Cat Food Pouches are festive and safe alternatives.
Thanksgiving Safety: Skip the Table Scraps
Rich holiday foods can lead to digestive upset or even pancreatitis in pets. Keep them away from the kitchen and dining table, and give them safe ways to join the celebration.
Support digestion:
Nulo Probiotic Digestive Health Soft Chews promotes gut health after indulgent smells and temptations. You can also try NaturVet Healthy Probiotic supplements for cats & dogs—they can assist in promoting beneficial bacteria. Before adding probiotics to your pet’s diet, however, be sure to talk with your vet.
Serve holiday-themed treats:
Instead of sharing turkey bones or gravy, offer Open Farm Turkey Bone Broth for cats and dogs, Momentum Carnivore Turkey Liver Cat Treats, or Fromm Crunchy Os Pumpkin Kran Pow. These flavorful options let your pet celebrate safely.
Distract from the feast:
Interactive play keeps pets from begging. Fill a KONG Classic Toy with pumpkin purée, or try a Woof Pupsickle Frozen Treat Toy to engage their minds while you enjoy your meal.
Christmas Safety: Stay Merry, Bright, and Pet-Proof
From glittering ornaments to holiday guests, Christmas can present plenty of hazards. A few small adjustments can keep things cheerful and safe.
Chew toys and stocking stuffers:
To prevent pets from gnawing on cords or ornaments, gift dogs a Benebone Real Flavor Dental Chew or Nylabone PRO Action Dental Power Chew, or surprise your feline friend with N-Bone Cat Chew Stick Treats or a durable Petstages Catnip Plaque Away Chew Toy.
Keep décor out of reach:
Holiday decorations can be tempting but hazardous for curious pets. Keep ornaments, tinsel, and light cords well out of reach, and avoid using edible décor like popcorn garlands or salt dough ornaments that can cause stomach upset if eaten. Secure trees to prevent tipping, skip real candles near furry tails, and cover electrical cords to deter chewing.
Emergency Contacts: Keep These Numbers Handy
Even with precautions, accidents can happen. Post these numbers, along with you vet’s, on your fridge or save them to your phone:
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: 1-888-426-4435
- Pet Poison Helpline: 1-855-764-7661
If your pet ingests something questionable or shows sudden distress, call your vet or one of these hotlines immediately.
Quick Holiday Pet Safety Checklist
- Keep candy, alcohol, and leftovers out of reach
- Use reflective and LED gear for evening walks
- Offer pet-safe treats instead of table scraps
- Provide calming aids during noisy gatherings
- Keep electrical cords and tinsel away from pets
- Have poison control numbers easily accessible
From Halloween to New Year’s, a little preparation goes a long way toward keeping your pets safe and content. Visit Benson’s Pet Center in-store or online to find the seasonal gear, treats, and wellness products that make the holidays happy and hazard-free for your furry family.