The holiday season is one of the most joyful times of the year. That is definitely the case here in Fort Morgan, which is, of course, known as the Christmas Capital of the Plains. Around the holidays, homes are filled with festive decorations, delicious meals, visiting family members, and plenty of excitement. While people enjoy the celebrations, many seasonal traditions can create unexpected risks for your furry friends. Practicing good holiday pet safety helps your pets enjoy the festivities right alongside the rest of the family. At Fort Morgan Veterinary Clinic, your trusted veterinary clinic in Fort Morgan, CO, we enjoy helping pets stay healthy through every season. We also serve pets in Wiggins, Brush, and other Morgan County communities. A little planning can help make the holidays safer and less stressful for everyone.

The holidays bring all sorts of new sights, smells, and routines, some of which can be a little confusing (or tempting!) for our pets. By learning about the most common holiday hazards, keeping an eye on what goes into those wagging mouths, and following a few simple safety tips, you can spend less time worrying and more time making happy memories with your furry crew.

Holiday Excitement Can Be Overwhelming

Pets are creatures of habit. They love their routines almost as much as they love treats.

Holiday gatherings in Northeast Colorado can be absolutely beautiful. However, those gatherings can be stressful for pets: there are lots of new faces, strange noises, and a schedule that’s gone a little topsy-turvy. Even the most outgoing pets can get a bit frazzled, while our shy friends might become professional hide-and-seek champions.

Set up a cozy retreat for your pet when things get a little too lively. A quiet room with their favorite bed, some fresh water, and a beloved toy or two can give them the perfect spot to recharge their batteries.

Fun fact: most dogs and cats snooze between 12 and 16 hours a day! All that holiday excitement can cut into their beauty sleep, so those quiet breaks are extra important.

Decorations Can Look Like Toys

Holiday decorations capture everyone’s attention, including curious pets.

To a cat, those dangling ornaments are basically the world’s fanciest toys. Dogs, on the other paw, might decide to chew or carry off decorations just for fun. Watch out for glass ornaments that can break into sharp bits, and keep ribbons or strings out of reach. These can cause big trouble if swallowed.

Try to secure decorations whenever you can, and give your tree a quick check each day for loose ornaments or branches that look a little worse for wear.

Keep those breakable ornaments up high, out of paw’s reach, to help your playful pets resist temptation.

Christmas Trees Need a Little Extra Attention

Whether your tree is real or artificial, it’s worth thinking about where you put it. Even here in the Christmas capital, you’ll need to take some precautions to keep your furry pal safe.

Make sure your Christmas tree is anchored well, so it’s nice and sturdy, just in case an excited pup or adventurous kitty decides to test its stability. And remember, tree skirts might hide cords from us, but our pets are expert detectives at finding things they shouldn’t.

Sweep up those fallen pine needles often. They can be sharp on little paws or tummies if swallowed. Got a cat who thinks your tree is Mount Everest? Keep the delicate ornaments well above paw level.

A little thoughtful decorating goes a long way toward keeping your furry family safe this Christmas.

Holiday Lights and Electrical Cords

Twinkling lights look magical, but those dangling cords can be pretty tempting for curious noses and paws.

Puppies, kittens, and even some grown-up pets can’t resist chewing on cords, which can lead to nasty shocks or burns. Keep cords tidy and out of reach, and always unplug lights before you do any repairs.

Check decorations periodically throughout the season for damaged wiring or loose connections.

If you spot any worn-out decorations, swap them out before they turn into a hazard. Better safe than sorry!

Watch the Holiday Table

Let’s be honest. Holiday meals are a highlight for most of us (and our pets would agree!).

Unfortunately, a lot of our favorite holiday dishes aren’t safe for our furry friends. Rich foods can upset their tummies, and some ingredients are downright dangerous for dogs and cats.

Some toxic holiday foods for pets include:

• Chocolate.
• Grapes and raisins.
• Onions.
• Garlic.
• Foods containing xylitol.
• Alcohol.
• Fatty table scraps.
• Cooked bones.

Instead of sneaking your pet a bite from the table, treat them to a veterinarian-approved snack while you enjoy your feast. They’ll feel included, and you’ll avoid any tummy troubles later.

Keep Trash Out of Reach

Once the plates are cleared, cleanup is just as important as the meal itself, especially if you have a four-legged scavenger in the house.

Turkey bones, meat wrappers, food scraps, skewers, baking twine, foil, and disposable plates are all magnets for curious pets. Dogs especially seem to have a sixth sense for finding overflowing trash cans.

Use trash cans with tight-fitting lids and empty them often during your holiday get-togethers.

It’s much easier to keep pets out of trouble now than to deal with an emergency later.

Guests May Accidentally Create Escape Opportunities

With holiday visitors coming and going, doors tend to open and close more often than usual.

Even the best-behaved pets can make a dash for the door when guests are distracted. Before the festivities start, double-check that your pet’s collar fits well and their ID tags are up to date.

Microchips add an extra layer of protection if your pet manages to sneak out during the holiday hustle and bustle.

Leashing your dog when greeting guests can help prevent any surprise escapes.

Candles and Fireplaces Require Supervision

Nothing says holiday coziness like a crackling fireplace or some festive candles.

Unfortunately, curious tails and noses sometimes get a little too close to open flames. Never leave lit candles unattended where pets can reach them, and use sturdy screens around fireplaces to help prevent accidental burns.

Battery-operated candles offer a festive alternative in homes with especially curious pets.

Gift Wrap Can Become a Hazard

Wrapping paper, bows, ribbon, tissue paper, and gift bags create plenty of excitement on holiday mornings.

Although they may seem harmless, ribbons and string can become dangerous if swallowed. Cats are especially attracted to curling ribbon and dangling bows.

Clean up wrapping materials promptly after gifts are opened so they do not become chew toys later in the day.

Traveling During the Holidays

Many families include pets in their holiday travel plans.

If your furry bestie will be joining you on the road, make sure they are comfortably secured during the trip and have access to fresh water during rest stops. Pack familiar food, medications, favorite toys, bedding, and any veterinary records you may need.

If your pet will stay behind, we recommend finding a great kennel. You can also arrange care with a trusted family member, friend, or professional caregiver, but you will then be affected by any changes in their schedule or situation. 

Cold Weather Brings Additional Risks

Winter weather creates challenges beyond holiday celebrations.

Snow, ice, freezing temperatures, and deicing products can all affect your pet’s comfort and health. Wipe your dog’s paws after winter walks to remove snow, ice, and any deicing products that may irritate the paw pads.

Older pets, young puppies, kittens, and pets with chronic medical conditions may be more sensitive to cold weather. Providing warm shelter and limiting outdoor time during severe weather helps keep everyone more comfortable.

Maintain Your Pet’s Routine

The holidays naturally bring changes to family schedules, but pets appreciate consistency.

Try to feed meals at regular times, maintain daily walks, continue play sessions, and provide opportunities for rest away from busy gatherings. Familiar routines help many pets feel more secure despite the extra excitement around the house.

Even a short walk or quiet play session can help reduce stress while giving your dog or cat some welcome one-on-one attention.

Recognize Signs of Stress

Not every pet enjoys holiday festivities.

Some dogs and cats become anxious around crowds, loud voices, or unfamiliar visitors. Signs of stress may include hiding, panting, pacing, trembling, excessive grooming, loss of appetite, or changes in bathroom habits.

Allow your pet to choose whether they want to participate in family activities. A quiet room with familiar comforts often becomes the perfect holiday retreat for nervous pets.

Keep Emergency Contact Information Handy

Even with careful planning, accidents can happen.

Keep your veterinarian’s phone number readily available throughout the holiday season, along with the contact information for the nearest emergency veterinary hospital. Having this information accessible allows you to respond more quickly if an unexpected situation develops.

It is also helpful to know your pet’s current medications and medical history if emergency care becomes necessary while traveling.

A Little Planning Creates Safer Holidays

The holidays should be memorable for all the right reasons.

Practicing thoughtful holiday pet safety does not mean eliminating holiday traditions. Instead, it means making a few simple adjustments to keep your pets safe while your family enjoys the season together.

Most holiday emergencies are preventable with preparation, supervision, and a little extra awareness.

Mission Cats offers some holiday cat care hacks. You may also want to read the ASPCA piece on holiday safety for pets. 

FAQ

What are the biggest holiday hazards for pets?

Some of the most common holiday hazards for pets include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, cooked bones, electrical cords, ornaments, ribbons, candles, overflowing trash, and unsecured Christmas trees. Holiday guests and changing routines may also increase stress or create opportunities to escape.

A little preparation goes a long way toward helping your pets stay safe throughout the season.

What holiday foods are toxic to pets?

Several toxic holiday foods for pets include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, foods containing xylitol, alcohol, cooked bones, and fatty table scraps. These foods may cause digestive upset or more serious medical problems.

Offer your pet veterinarian-approved treats instead of sharing holiday meals, and remind guests not to feed table scraps.

How can I reduce holiday stress for my dog or cat?

Good holiday safety for dogs and cats includes maintaining familiar routines, providing a quiet place to rest, supervising interactions with visitors, and allowing pets to take breaks from busy celebrations.

Watching for signs of anxiety such as hiding, pacing, or reduced appetite allows you to adjust the environment to better support your pet.

Should I bring my pet to Northeast Colorado holiday gatherings?

That depends on your pet’s personality. Some pets enjoy meeting new people, while others feel more comfortable staying home or relaxing in a quiet room away from the excitement.

Consider your pet’s temperament, health, and stress level when deciding whether to include them in holiday events.

Schedule a Holiday Wellness Visit at Fort Morgan Veterinary Clinic

A little preparation helps your pets enjoy every holiday tradition safely. If you’re searching online for a vet near me, Fort Morgan Veterinary Clinic proudly provides compassionate veterinary care in Fort Morgan, CO, also serving northeast Colorado communities of Wiggins, Brush, and Morgan County. Whether you have questions about holiday pet safety, preventive wellness, or seasonal health concerns, our veterinary team is here to help your furry family members stay happy and healthy all season long. Contact us today to schedule a wellness appointment.

This blog is intended for informational purposes only and should not replace professional veterinary advice. Always consult your veterinarian for the appropriate diagnosis, treatment plan, and medical recommendations for your pet.

To learn more about our Fort Morgan Veterinary Clinic, stop by our Service page. You’ll find more insight on the services we offer, which include large animal care, Wellness and Vaccinations, nutritional counseling, and more.