The holiday season brings joy, togetherness, and extra activity around the home. But it also increases the risk of accidents, poisonings, or stress for pets. At Boundary Bay Veterinary Specialty Hospital in Surrey, we want to help you enjoy the season with your pets while keeping them safe, happy, and healthy.

Here are just some of the holiday hazards to watch out for, and tips to help you minimize risk to your pets.

1. Festive Foods & Treats

Holiday meals, baked goods, and treats are a big part of celebrations — but some foods can be dangerous or downright toxic for pets:

• Chocolate: Contains theobromine, which is toxic to dogs and cats.
• Grapes and Raisins: Even small amounts can lead to kidney failure in dogs.
• Onions and Garlic: Harmful to pets, especially in large quantities, as they can cause anemia.
• Fatty Foods: Can lead to pancreatitis in pets.
• Alcohol: Extremely dangerous, causing vomiting, breathing issues, or even death.
• Macadamia Nuts: Can cause weakness, vomiting, tremors, and hyperthermia (overheating) in dogs.
• Xylitol: A sugar substitute found in candy, gum, and some baked goods, which can induce insulin release in dogs, leading to low blood sugar and liver damage.
• Mince Pies & Christmas Puddings: Contain grapes, currants, sultanas, and raisins, all poisonous to dogs and potentially causing severe kidney failure.
• Cheese: An occasional treat of cheese is acceptable, but some types, such as blue cheese, can produce toxins that cause rapid onset convulsions in dogs.

Tips for pet parents

• Keep tempting treats out of reach, especially if your pet has a habit of ‘counter-surfing’.
• Ask guests not to feed table scraps to pets.
• Stick with pet-safe treats if you’re baking or sharing food with your furry friends.
• Safely dispose of gift wrapping, candy wrappers, and food packaging — pets may tear into garbage or gift bags looking for leftovers.

2. Toxic Plants, Decorations & Seasonal Greenery

Your home looks festive, but those twinkling decorations and beautiful arrangements can pose dangers:

• Poinsettias, holly, mistletoe, amaryllis, lilies, ivy, and azaleas can all cause vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, or more serious poisoning, depending on how much a pet ingests.
• Christmas tree needles (real or artificial) can irritate the mouth or stomach, create choking hazards, or puncture the digestive tract.
• Tinsel, ribbons, and string lights are classic temptations — ingestion can lead to gastrointestinal obstruction, and cords can lead to electrocution or strangulation.
• Glass ornaments or small battery-powered decorations can break, leaving sharp shards or batteries that pets might swallow.
• Scented sprays, artificial “snow,” potpourri, and holiday sprays may contain essential oils or chemicals that irritate skin, eyes, or the respiratory tract, or are toxic if ingested.

Safety pointers

• Use pet-safe plants or place dangerous arrangements well out of reach.
• Choose shatterproof or non-toxic decorations when possible, and avoid hanging anything at a level your pet could reach.
• Tape down or cover cords, store batteries securely, and be vigilant about discarded wrapping materials.
• Supervise pets around fresh greenery or decorations, and clean up fallen needles or leaves regularly.

3. Seasonal Chemicals, Cold Weather, and Outdoor Risks for Pets

Wintertime introduces unique hazards that can affect pets during walks or outdoor activities:

• Antifreeze (ethylene glycol) and de-icing products are sweet-tasting but highly toxic. Even a small amount can cause kidney failure or neurological damage.
• Rock salt and de-icing chemicals on sidewalks and driveways can irritate paws or be licked off and ingested, potentially causing salt poisoning.
• Snowballs, ice clumps, or frozen puddles can trap fur between toes, chill sensitive skin, or hide sharp debris.
• Cold, wet weather may worsen arthritis or lead to hypothermia in very small, very old, or short-haired pets.

What you can do

• Wipe or rinse your pet’s paws after walks, especially if they’ve walked through salt or de-icer.
• Store antifreeze and chemicals where pets can’t reach them, and clean up spills immediately.
• Use pet-safe de-icing products or booties if your pet is sensitive to cold or salt.
• Keep walks safe, short, and warm — consider sweaters, padded boots, and close supervision in icy or snowy areas.

4. Stress, Noise & Routine Disruption

The holidays often mean more guests, parties, travel, fireworks, and noise — all of which can be stressful or confusing for pets.

• Loud music, fireworks, doorbells, holiday guests, or family events can make pets anxious, leading to escape attempts, destructive behaviour, or hiding.
• Lots of foot traffic, visitors, or changes in schedule may upset routines, disrupt feeding or bathroom schedules, and leave pets feeling unsettled.
• New people or children who aren’t used to pets may inadvertently tease or overwhelm them, leading to stress or accidental injury.
• Holiday travel can also add stress: cold car interiors, unfamiliar terrain, or disrupted routines can cause anxiety and distress.

Tips to keep it calm

• Offer your pet a quiet, familiar space away from the hustle and bustle — a bedroom, a crate, or a designated “pet retreat” with calming toys and soothing scents.
• Maintain regular routines as much as possible: consistent mealtimes, bathroom breaks, playtime, and quiet time.
• Provide distraction or enrichment — puzzle toys, chew toys, or quiet games can help reduce stress.
• Plan travel with your pet’s comfort in mind: pack a familiar blanket or toy, keep them warm, and never leave them unattended in cold vehicles.
• If your pet shows signs of severe anxiety, talk with your veterinarian about calming aids, pheromone products, or behavioural strategies well before major events.

5. Planning Ahead — Just in Case

No one wants a holiday emergency, but having a plan in place can save time, stress, and possibly a pet’s life.

• Keep Boundary Bay’s emergency contact and directions handy. Our 24/7 emergency and critical care hospital in Surrey is ready to help if something goes wrong — even during holidays. bbvsh.com
• Familiarize yourself with the fastest route to the hospital, and have a “go bag” ready for your pet: leash or carrier, a familiar blanket or toy, food, medical records or medication, and a towel.
• Ask guests to be mindful: clearly communicate “no food sharing” rules, help them recognize stress signals from your pet, and ask them to keep doors closed and litter boxes or escape routes secure.
• Consider a holiday-specific safety checklist: inspecting decorations for hazards, checking plants, clearing floor space after meals or parties, and having a quiet zone ready before guests arrive.

A Festive but Safe Season for Pets

The holiday season is a magical time, filled with family, tradition, and the joy of including our pets in celebrations. With a little extra vigilance, a few smart precautions, and some thoughtful planning, you can make sure your furry family members enjoy the season — safely, happily, and peacefully.

From everyone at Boundary Bay Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Hospital in Surrey, we wish you and your pets a warm, joyful, and hazard-free holiday season!