12 Winter Holiday Pet Hazards to Know

The 12 Winter Holiday Hazards Every Pet Parent Should Know

The winter holiday season brings joy, togetherness — and a surprising number of hidden dangers for the pets who share our homes. From toxic plants and festive foods to icy sidewalks and holiday candles, the hazards add up fast. Here's a clear, category-by-category breakdown of the 12 most common holiday threats to dogs, cats and small pets, plus practical steps to keep everyone safe this season. When in doubt about your pet's health or a potential exposure, contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center right away [https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control].

1. Artificial and Live Trees

A decorated tree is irresistible to a curious pet — and it carries more risks than it looks.

• Block access when possible. Place your holiday tree in a room your pet can't enter, or use a pet gate or indoor exercise pen to create a barrier around it.
• Anchor the tree. Secure it to a wall or window frame so it can't topple onto your pet.
• Pick up needles daily. Both artificial and live tree needles are sharp and indigestible; ingesting them can cause internal irritation or injury [https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control].
• Cover the water basin. Bacteria multiply quickly in standing tree water. Cover the basin tightly with aluminum foil and layer a tree skirt on top to prevent your pet from drinking from it.

2. Decorations

Ornaments, tinsel and lights look festive — but they're magnets for pets who love to bat, chew or swallow shiny things.

• Hang glass ornaments and tinsel high. Keep them on upper branches, well out of reach of dogs, cats and small pets.
• Manage electrical cords. Cover cords with cord protectors or tape them flat against baseboards. A pet who chews through a live cord risks burns, electric shock or electrocution.

3. Wrapped Presents

The pile under the tree deserves as much supervision as the tree itself.

• Ribbons and bows are choking hazards. If swallowed, they can also cause a serious intestinal obstruction requiring emergency veterinary care [https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control].
• Supervise your pet around gifts. A determined pet can chew through wrapping paper to reach contents inside — including toys with small or removable parts (choking hazards) and batteries (toxic if punctured or swallowed).

4. Live Plants

Several beloved holiday plants are toxic to pets. Keep all of the following completely out of reach — or choose silk alternatives:

If you suspect your pet has ingested any of these plants, contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center immediately [https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control].

5. Cold Weather

Winter walks and outdoor time carry real risks, especially for young, senior or short-coated pets.

• Dress for the cold. Consider booties and a warm sweater or coat for your dog on winter walks.
• Check between the toes. Ice balls can form between your dog's footpads. Trim the long hair in that area regularly to reduce the risk of frostbitten feet.
• Know the frostbite response. If you suspect frostbite, do not rub the affected area. Apply a warm, moist washcloth gently and contact your veterinarian right away.
• Never leave your pet alone in a cold car. A parked vehicle in extreme temperatures acts like a freezer. Younger and older dogs are especially vulnerable to stress, frostbite and hypothermia when their body temperature drops even a few degrees below normal [https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control].

6. Visitors and Holiday Gatherings

More people, more noise and a disrupted routine can be genuinely stressful for many pets.

• Create a quiet retreat. If your pet gets nervous around strangers or heightened activity, set up a calm, comfortable space — complete with food, water, a bed and familiar items — where she can decompress away from the commotion.
• Consider a separate room during parties. Playing soft music in the background can help ease anxiety. This is especially important for pets who are prone to bolting through open doors when guests arrive.

7. Table Scraps and Holiday Foods

The holiday table is one of the most dangerous places for a curious pet. Several common foods are outright toxic.

A few important notes:

• Plain peanut butter (with no xylitol) is generally fine as an occasional treat — always check the ingredient label first [https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control].
• Dispose of your turkey carcass carefully. Small bones are a choking risk, brittle bones can lacerate the throat or digestive tract, and discarded meat can harbor bacteria that causes food poisoning. Seal the carcass in a bag and place it in a lidded outdoor bin immediately.
• Never leave holiday desserts, candy dishes or cocktails unattended on low tables or counters.

8. Travel

Holiday travel requires extra planning to keep your pet safe and comfortable.

• Flying with your pet? Contact your airline well in advance to confirm cabin policies, required health documentation and carrier specifications.
• Update your pet's ID. Make sure he's wearing a current ID tag and has an up-to-date microchip registration — both are essential if he gets lost in an unfamiliar place.
• Book boarding early. Holiday boarding fills up fast. Reserve your pet's spot well ahead of time to guarantee availability during the busiest travel weeks of the year.

9. Chemicals and De-Icers

Winter chemicals used around the home and garage can be quietly deadly.

• De-icing salts are toxic if licked. Choose a pet-safe ice melt product rather than standard rock salt, which can poison your dog or a neighborhood cat who walks through it and then grooms his paws [https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control].
• Antifreeze is extremely dangerous. Automotive antifreeze contains ethylene glycol, which tastes sweet but can cause rapid, permanent kidney damage and can be fatal if ingested [https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control].
• Wipe down paws after every outing. Clean your dog's legs and stomach when he comes back inside to remove any chemical residue before he can lick it off.
• Lock up the garage. Store all automotive fluids and winter chemicals in sealed containers on high shelves, completely out of your pet's reach.

10. Alcohol

Holiday punch, eggnog, mulled wine and cocktails should never be within reach of your pet. Alcohol depresses the nervous system and can cause vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy and, in larger amounts, seizures [https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control]. Even small quantities can be harmful to a small pet. Keep drinks covered and off low surfaces during gatherings.

11. Candles and Potpourri

• Keep burning candles out of reach — and never leave them unattended in a room where your pet has access. A wagging tail or a curious cat can knock a candle over in seconds.
• Hot liquid potpourri can burn. Keep simmering potpourri pots on high surfaces and turned off when you leave the room.
• Dry potpourri can be harmful if ingested. Keep decorative potpourri bowls on shelves your pet cannot reach.

12. Lack of Routine and Attention

It's easy to let your pet's schedule slip during the holiday rush — but consistency matters more than most pet parents realize.

• Stick to regular mealtimes and walks. Disrupted routines can cause stress, digestive upset and behavioral changes in dogs, cats and small pets alike.
• Make time for play and connection. Even 10–15 minutes of dedicated one-on-one time each day helps your pet feel secure during a season that can feel chaotic and overstimulating.
• Don't skip the basics. Fresh water, regular feeding, exercise and affection are the foundation of your pet's wellbeing — holiday season included.

If you ever suspect your pet has been exposed to a toxic substance, don't wait for symptoms to appear. Contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center immediately [https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control].

Holiday Pet Hazards at a Glance

Use this quick-reference table to identify the risk level of each common winter holiday hazard and the single most important prevention step for each. If your pet ingests or is exposed to any toxic substance, contact the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center immediately.

Emergency contacts to save now: ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: (888) 426-4435 (available 24/7; a consultation fee may apply). Always call your veterinarian first if your pet shows any signs of distress. [https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control]

Frequently Asked Questions

Are poinsettias deadly to dogs and cats? Poinsettias are considered mildly to moderately toxic — they typically cause drooling, vomiting and skin irritation rather than life-threatening illness, but any ingestion warrants a call to your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center to assess the amount consumed and your pet's size. [https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control]

Can a small amount of chocolate really harm my dog? Yes. Even small quantities of dark chocolate or baking chocolate can cause serious symptoms in dogs, including vomiting, rapid heart rate and seizures, because dogs metabolize theobromine far more slowly than humans do. Milk chocolate is less concentrated but still dangerous — there is no reliably "safe" amount, so treat all chocolate as off-limits. [https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control]

Is peanut butter safe to give my dog during the holidays? Plain peanut butter without xylitol is generally fine as an occasional treat for dogs. Always read the label carefully — some peanut butter brands and many sugar-free products use xylitol as a sweetener, which is highly toxic to dogs even in tiny amounts. Consult your veterinarian about appropriate serving sizes for your dog's weight. [https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control]

How do I know if my pet has antifreeze poisoning? Early signs can include appearing "drunk," wobbling, excessive thirst and vomiting — symptoms that may seem to improve before serious kidney damage sets in hours later. Antifreeze poisoning is a time-critical emergency. If you suspect exposure, go to a veterinary emergency clinic immediately rather than waiting for symptoms to worsen. [https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control]

My cat ate a piece of tinsel — should I be worried? Yes. Linear foreign objects like tinsel, ribbon and string are especially dangerous for cats because they can bunch up in the intestines and cause a life-threatening obstruction or perforation. Do not try to pull it out. Contact your veterinarian right away, even if your cat seems fine. [https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control]

What is the safest way to travel with my pet during the holidays? Book airline arrangements well in advance and confirm your carrier's current pet-in-cabin policies, as rules vary and space is limited. Make sure your pet wears an ID tag and is microchipped before you travel — the holiday season is one of the most common times for pets to go missing. If boarding, reserve a spot early and bring your pet's vaccination records.

This article was created with assistance from AI tools and reviewed for accuracy by Petco's content team.