Essential Christmas Pet Safety Tips for Dogs and Cats

December 2025

As the festive season approaches, it’s important to plan to ensure our pets’ needs are well cared for during this busy time of year.

As the wise saying goes, “A pet is for life, not just for Christmas.” A cute puppy may seem like the perfect gift, but it will quickly grow into an active adult dog with daily needs and responsibilities that last a lifetime. Make sure any decision to bring a pet into your home is a thoughtful, long-term commitment.

Christmas is one of the busiest times of the year, making it the worst time to introduce a new pet into your home. It’s best to wait for a quieter, more settled period when routines are in place and you’re fully prepared for the lifelong commitment a pet requires. 

Puppies need constant attention and a calm environment in their early days to ensure proper training and adjustment to their new home. Bad habits formed during this period—such as poor toilet training, lack of basic obedience, or mouthing and play biting—are difficult to correct later and can lead to serious issues, especially around children. 

The Christmas season, with its visitors, excited children, noisy toys, and tempting foods, creates a stressful environment for a new pet. This is far from ideal as they navigate the transition from their previous home and companions to settling in with you. 

If your pet is already a well-settled member of the family, here are some tips to help keep them safe and relaxed throughout the Christmas season.

Always provide your pet with a safe ‘quiet space’ where they can retreat when things get hectic. For dogs, this could be a crate in a calm room with their bed, food and water bowls, and chew toys to keep them comfortable and occupied. Cats often prefer high, secure spots—such as a box or cat bed on a shelf—or a separate room where they have access to their food, water, and litter tray. Creating these spaces helps reduce stress and keeps pets feeling secure during the festive bustle.

The festive season can be busy, so it’s important to plan ahead for your pet’s regular needs—feeding, toileting, and exercise. Aim to keep a consistent routine and involve other household members to share responsibilities. For example, one person can handle early morning toilet breaks, while another takes care of feeding at set times. Maintaining familiar routines will help your pet feel secure and reduce stress during the holidays.

A good long walk outdoors and playtime is a great way to burn off your pet’s energy and help them settle. A well-exercised pet is more likely to relax in their quiet space when visitors arrive or when small children need room to play. Puzzle feeders are another excellent option to keep them entertained and calm in their den.

Check your vet’s opening times over the holidays and ensure you have their emergency numbers easily available.  If your pet is under treatment or on medication for some chronic condition, make sure you have adequate supplies of medication available in advance of the holidays. Also, if they are on a prescription diet ensure you have enough in stock to cover the Christmas period.

Take extra care with what your pet eats during the Christmas season. Make sure guests understand that they should never feed scraps or treats to your pet, as many festive foods can be harmful or even toxic.  

Ensure your pet gets a Christmas meal specially prepared by you and enjoyed in the comfort of their quiet, safe space. Stick to a balanced diet your pet enjoys and offer only a small number of treats. If you’ve bought pet stockings or gifts, keep them stored and distribute treats gradually under supervision. Be cautious with chew toys—some can be swallowed whole, causing vomiting or dangerous blockages. 

Never allow access to chicken or turkey bones. Wrap them securely before disposing of them and ensure bins are pet-proof. 

Keep pets away from toxic foods such as chocolate, fruit cake, onions, avocados, coffee beans, and any alcohol left in glasses. Even small amounts can cause severe illness, upset stomachs, or require an emergency vet visit. Read more on foods that are not safe for your pet. 

Be especially careful if small children are eating things like chocolate or cake and drop bits on the floor or offer them to your pet! Even the wrappers off chocolate or foods containing the sweetener, Xylitol, can be enough to cause problems for your pet when eaten. Whenever possible, keep your pet separate from children during mealtimes and when sweets or treats are being shared. This helps prevent accidental feeding and keeps both pets and children safe.

Items like ribbons, strings, small toy parts, balls, and stuffed toys can be dangerous if swallowed, as they may cause intestinal blockages leading to vomiting and potentially requiring X-rays or surgery. Always supervise your pet and keep chewable or small items out of reach as much as possible.

Christmas decorations can pose serious risks if chewed, including swallowing plastic or glass shards. Electric wires and cables may cause shocks if bitten, and candles can be knocked over by wagging tails or playful pets. Keep decorations, wires, and candles out of reach, and always supervise your pet when they’re in decorated rooms.

There are plenty of cute Christmas costumes for pets, but not all animals enjoy wearing them. If your pet resists or seems uncomfortable, don’t insist. Some outfits can be tight, too warm, or stressful to wear. It’s best to skip the costume if your pet isn’t happy and relaxed in it.

Christmas often brings snow, frost, and cold, wet conditions. Elderly pets, very young animals, and short-coated breeds may need extra protection, such as warm, waterproof coats during walks to maintain body temperature. Never leave pets in cars, as they quickly become dangerously cold once the engine is off. Keep dogs on a lead in snowy weather and well away from frozen lakes or ponds to prevent accidents. Check paws for compacted ice and sores due to cold and frost. Keep your pet warm and cosy indoors once they have had enough exercise.

Safe Christmas foods for dogs are as follows but keep in mind they should only be given in small, unseasoned amounts as an occasional treat:

Never give your dog these common Christmas items:

Check out our pet insurance FAQ and support hub for related FAQs. 

Preparing for Christmas means planning for your pet too—so both you and your furry friend can enjoy a happy, safe, and stress-free holiday season. 

Information correct as at 15/12/2025