Holiday Hazards: Christmas Safety Tips for Dogs and Cats
- Lonsdale Place Veterinary Clinic
- 4 days ago
- 2 min read
The holiday season brings warmth, celebration, and plenty of festive décor — but for pets, it can also introduce hidden dangers. At Lonsdale Place Veterinary Clinic, we see a noticeable increase in emergency visits around Christmas due to toxic foods, foreign body ingestion, and anxiety-related behaviors.
Here’s how to make the holidays safe and joyful for your pet.
North Vancouver Vet
Toxic Christmas Plants: What’s Actually Dangerous?
Holiday plants add colour to your home, but some can be risky to pets.
High-risk plants:
Lilies: Extremely toxic to cats — even small exposures can cause kidney failure.
Mistletoe: May cause vomiting, diarrhea, and changes in heart rate.
Holly berries and leaves: Can lead to gastrointestinal upset and drooling.
Moderate-risk plants:
Poinsettias: Not as toxic as once believed, but still can irritate the mouth and stomach.
When in doubt, keep plants out of reach — especially in cat households.
North Vancouver Vet
Christmas Trees: Fun for Pets, Risky Without Precautions
Cats and dogs often find Christmas trees fascinating. Unfortunately, curiosity can lead to accidents.
Keep your tree safe by:
Using a secure base or anchoring the tree to prevent tipping if a cat jumps on it.
Avoiding tinsel — if swallowed, it can cause a dangerous intestinal obstruction.
Blocking access to tree water — additives and bacteria in the water can make pets sick.
Keeping breakable ornaments higher on the tree and using soft, pet-safe ornaments on the bottom.
Electrical cords from lights can also be tempting to chew. Use cord protectors or unplug when unsupervised, especially with puppies and kittens.
North Vancouver Vet
Holiday Foods That Are Unsafe for Pets
Some of the best human holiday treats are dangerous for pets.
Never feed pets:
Chocolate, especially dark chocolate
Grapes or raisins (including in fruitcake)
Xylitol-containing items (sugar-free treats, gum, baked goods)
Onions, garlic, or stuffing
Turkey bones or fatty skin (can cause pancreatitis)
Alcohol or rum cake
If your pet ingests any of the above, call our clinic or an emergency hospital immediately.
North Vancouver Vet
Managing Stress During Gatherings
The holidays can be overwhelming for pets—especially seniors, anxious animals, or rescues.
Tips to reduce stress:
Set up a quiet, escape-proof room with a bed, litterbox, and water.
Notify guests to close doors and gates to prevent escapes.
For anxious pets, discuss calming supplements or prescription medications with us before the holidays.
Stick to your pet’s normal feeding and walking schedule as much as possible.
A little planning helps prevent holiday panic—for both you and your pet.
North Vancouver Vet
Travelling With Pets During the Holidays
If you're visiting family:
Ensure your pet’s microchip and tags are up-to-date.
Pack their regular food to avoid stomach upset.
Bring any medications, plus a copy of their medical records if travelling far.
Use a secure carrier for cats and a properly fitted seatbelt harness or crate for dogs.
We can help you prepare with a pre-travel health check at Lonsdale Place Veterinary Clinic.
North Vancouver Vet
When to Call Us
Seek veterinary attention if your pet experiences:
Vomiting after eating unknown treats
Chewing electrical cords
Sudden lethargy during gatherings
Foreign body ingestion (tinsel, ribbon, ornaments)
Our team at Lonsdale Place Veterinary Clinic is here to support you through the holiday season. If your pet runs into trouble during Christmas, call us right away.
