Pet Holiday Safety Guide: Enjoy the Season Together

After the year we’ve all experienced, we’re looking forward to having some fun this holiday season. Whether or not you’ll be getting together with extended family, the holidays are a nice time to celebrate our relationships, and that includes the ones we have with our pets. Once you’ve taken a few precautions to set the stage for a safe but festive winter season, you can rest easy knowing there’s nothing left to do but enjoy it.

Prepare for cold weather

If you live in a part of the world where the holidays often bring cold and icy weather, you’ll want to start here:

• De-icing: Pick up a biodegradable, fast-acting, pet-friendly ice melter to help protect your pets from ice that accumulates outside and can lead to slips and falls, not to mention chilled paws.
• Figure out a new outdoor schedule: You and your pet might be at the mercy of the weather when it comes to winter outdoor play and potty schedules. Some pets simply don’t like the cold weather, but being outside for sustained periods of time in freezing temperatures isn’t good for any pet anyway. If your schedule allows, consider shifting your outdoor times to when it’s warmest. Limit the duration of your sessions, too, particularly when it’s snowy or icy.
• Switch up their entertainment routine: Since you’ll likely be spending more time inside, consider purchasing some boredom-buster toys—like puzzle toys and interactive games—that can help keep your pet mentally stimulated while also helping them to release pent-up energy.

As winter approaches, read up on cold weather pet concerns like signs of hypothermia and frostbite and when they need to just stay inside and avoid the outdoors altogether.

Your pet will need appropriate winter wear even if you plan to limit their outdoor time. Consider:

• Booties and paw protection: Your pet’s paws are especially susceptible to discomfort in the cold and snow. Faux-fur lined boots provide durable protection with a warm and water-resistant barrier while rubber boots are a good year-round option since they perform well on ice and snow as well as hot pavement and sand.
• Sweaters and jackets: Like humans, pets can get cold too, especially if they’re a smaller breed or have a short coat. Keep your dog comfy and cozy with a classic, lightweight dog coat or pick up a faux-fur trim flannel for the dog with a little extra style. Don’t forget about your cat. Even those who are strictly indoors have been known to appreciate a warm sweater on a cold day.
• Blankets, heating pads or a new bed: After ensuring your pet has the gear to stay warm outdoors, shift gears and think about what might help keep them toasty while relaxing inside on cold and blustery days. Self-warming pet beds, for example, are an easy way to help make nap times cozier for cats and dogs, as can extra blankets and heating pads.

Holiday Grooming: Keep Your Pet Comfortable and Guest-Ready

The holiday season brings houseguests, family gatherings and plenty of excitement — and a little targeted grooming prep can make the whole experience safer and more comfortable for your pet. While proper grooming is essential year-round (it can help prevent matting, overgrown nails, dental problems and more), the weeks leading up to the holidays are a smart time to pay extra attention to a few specific areas.

Why Holiday-Specific Grooming Matters

A change in weather often brings a change in your pet's coat. Thicker winter coats can mat more quickly, especially when pets are spending more time indoors near heating vents or snuggled under blankets. Mats aren't just unsightly — they can trap moisture, restrict circulation and cause skin irritation. Staying on top of brushing and professional grooming appointments before the holiday rush (salons book up fast in December) means your pet stays comfortable through all the celebrations.

Pre-Holiday Grooming Checklist

Run through these grooming tasks in the week or two before guests arrive:

• Nail trim: Overgrown nails are one of the most common — and most overlooked — holiday hazards. Long nails can scratch excited children and elderly relatives, snag on holiday décor like ribbon and tinsel, or cause your pet discomfort on hard floors. Trim nails or schedule a professional trim before guests arrive.
• Coat brushing and de-matting: Brush out any mats before they tighten. For longer-coated dogs and cats, a thorough brush-out now prevents painful mat removal later. If your pet's coat is heavily matted, book a grooming salon appointment early — holiday slots fill quickly.
• Ear check: Extra indoor time and winter moisture can increase the risk of ear issues. Check ears for redness, odor or debris and consult your veterinarian if anything looks off.
• Dental check: Holiday stress and dietary changes can sometimes surface existing dental discomfort. If your pet has been pawing at his mouth or showing reluctance to eat, flag it with your vet before the holiday table is set.
• Bath and dry: A clean, well-dried coat is easier to brush, less prone to matting and — yes — more camera-ready for all those family photos.

A Note on Seasonal Coat Changes

Dogs and cats naturally shed and regrow coat in response to shifting daylight and temperature. Indoor heating during winter can trigger irregular shedding cycles, meaning you may find more fur on the furniture than you expect right around the holidays. Regular brushing during this period removes loose undercoat before it mats or ends up on your guests' sweaters — a win for everyone.

Grooming and Guest Safety Go Hand in Hand

Trimmed nails and a well-brushed coat aren't just about appearance. They're a genuine safety measure when your home fills with unfamiliar people, including children who may not know how to approach a pet calmly. A pet who is comfortable being handled — and who has been recently groomed — is less likely to react defensively to the extra touching and attention that comes with holiday gatherings.

If your pet is anxious about grooming, the weeks before the holidays are also a good time to practice short, positive handling sessions: gently touching paws, ears and the mouth so that grooming (and vet visits) feel less stressful. Consult your veterinarian if your pet shows significant anxiety around handling, as they can recommend appropriate next steps.

Petco tip: Petco's grooming salons offer nail trims, full baths, breed-specific cuts and more. Booking a pre-holiday appointment — ideally two to three weeks out — means your pet is fresh, comfortable and ready for whatever the season brings. Browse grooming services and products at petco.com.

If you’re planning any adventures this holiday season, make sure you have all the necessary pet travel gear before you head out the door. Depending on how you’ll be getting to your final destination, travel safety items to consider include:

• Travel carriers: Pet carriers come in many forms—from strollers to shoulder bags—and they’re helpful for all types of travel, from land to air.
• Car seats and harnesses: If you’ll be traveling by car, the best way to keep your pet safe during the journey is to invest in the proper car seat or seat belt. These help keep your pet safely buckled in to avoid jostling and rolling about and help pets from getting between you and the wheel as well.

Other pet travel essentials for their comfort include collapsible silicone travel bowls, travel pens and travel beds.

Consider calming solutions

You may feel prepped and ready for a festive holiday season, but that doesn’t guarantee it’ll be stress-free for you or your pet. Keep in mind that changing up your pet’s routine is inherently taxing on them, but calming products like soft chews, diffuser kits and calming collars may help. If you’re worried about introducing any new products to your pet, ask your veterinarian for advice.

Decorate safely

Pulling out the holiday décor is one of the best parts of the festive season, but remember that bits and baubles can be dangerous for our pets, as can certain plants and holiday foods.

In terms of winter holiday decoration safety, keep breakable decorations out of the reach of pets. Also keep in mind that trees can be a hazard, as well, so you might want to set those up in a room where your pets have restricted access or don’t often visit. Avoid tinsel, string and ribbon, which can lead to a digestive emergency if swallowed.

Once you’ve done your pet proofing for the holidays, you can focus on relaxing and enjoying the season. This is a great time to have some festive fun with our pets. With a little forethought, we can do it all safely. Petco has everything you’ll need to get your holiday season started off right.