Christmas is for the whole family, including the four-legged members. Decorations, visitors, presents and festive food can be exciting for pets, but they may also introduce unfamiliar objects that curious cats and dogs want to climb, chew or investigate.
With a little planning, you can create a beautiful Christmas display while reducing avoidable risks. You can also include your companion in the celebration with carefully chosen gifts and accessories from the Pets Christmas collection. Remember that no decoration, toy or outfit is automatically suitable for every animal, so always consider your pet’s size, temperament and habits.
Secure The Christmas Tree
The tree is often the centre of the room and the most tempting part of the display. Choose a stable position away from furniture that a cat could use as a launching point or a busy walkway where a dog could bump it.
- Use a sturdy tree stand and anchor the tree where appropriate.
- Consider a pet gate or another barrier if your animal cannot be safely supervised near the tree.
- If you use a real tree, cover the water reservoir and collect fallen needles regularly.
- Keep presents containing food or tempting scents away from the base of the tree.
- Check the tree each day for loose branches, fallen hooks or displaced decorations.
An artificial tree avoids live needles and tree water, but it can still topple or be chewed. Secure it just as carefully as a real tree.
Arrange Decorations With Curious Pets In Mind
Place fragile, small or especially tempting ornaments on the upper branches. Secure every decoration properly and leave the lowest branches simple, particularly if your pet enjoys batting at moving objects.
- Avoid tinsel, loose ribbon and string where pets can reach them, as these may be swallowed.
- Keep glass decorations and sharp hooks out of reach.
- Choose fewer dangling ornaments on the lower part of the tree.
- Do not use food-based ornaments on a pet-accessible tree.
- Remember that shatter-resistant does not mean safe to chew or swallow.
Pet-themed ornaments can still be part of the display. For example, a Christmas Cat in Wreath Hanging Ornament can celebrate a feline family member when it is secured high on the tree and treated as a decoration rather than a cat toy.
Manage Christmas Lights, Cords And Batteries
Secure electrical cords against a wall or behind furniture so pets cannot chew or become tangled in them. Avoid loose loops of lights near the floor, keep plugs and transformers inaccessible, and unplug lighting when the display is not being supervised.
Battery-operated decorations also need care. Button batteries can cause serious injury if swallowed, so ensure compartments are secure and keep spare batteries completely out of reach.
Choose Festive Toys For Supervised Play
A pet-specific present can redirect attention away from the decorations and give your companion a celebration of their own. The Pets Christmas range includes several festive choices for dogs:
- The Dog Squeaky Toy Christmas Stocking offers a selection of seasonal playthings in one gift.
- A Christmas Rope Dog Toy is suited to interactive tug and play.
- The Dog Christmas Candy Cane Toy brings a festive shape to playtime.
- A Dog Christmas Bone With Sound provides another cheerful stocking-filler option.
- The Dog Christmas Ball With Sound can add a seasonal touch to games of fetch.
Select toys that are appropriate for your dog’s size and play style. Supervise play, inspect toys regularly and remove any item that becomes torn, loose or small enough to swallow. A product that lasts well for one dog may not suit a stronger chewer.
Dress Pets Only When They Are Comfortable
Some dogs are happy to wear a simple festive accessory, while others find clothing stressful. A Pet Bow Tie and Necktie Set can provide a light touch for a family photo, while a Pets Christmas T-Shirt offers a more noticeable festive look.
Check the fit carefully and use clothing only for a short, supervised period. It should not obstruct breathing, vision, hearing, movement or normal body language. Remove it immediately if your pet freezes, pants, struggles, hides or tries to pull it off. Avoid dressing pets during hot weather, and remember that most cats do not enjoy wearing costumes. The RSPCA’s guidance on pets and costumes provides further advice.
Create Pet-Themed Gifts Without Creating New Hazards
Pet-inspired products can also delight the humans in your family. A Christmas Dog Gift Bag is a fun way to present a gift to an animal lover. Keep decorative bags, bells, handles, tissue paper and wrapping ribbon away from pets, however, and tidy all packaging as soon as gifts are opened.
Keep Christmas Food And Plants Out Of Reach
Many familiar festive foods are unsuitable or dangerous for pets. Keep chocolate, grapes, raisins, sultanas, alcohol, macadamia nuts, products containing xylitol and cooked bones securely out of reach. Ask guests not to feed your pet from the table, and use a bin with a secure lid for leftovers and packaging.
Some plants commonly displayed at Christmas can also be harmful. Check every plant with your veterinarian or a trusted animal-poison resource before placing it in a pet-accessible area. The Australian Animal Poisons Helpline Christmas hazards guide explains several common seasonal risks.
If you suspect that your pet has swallowed a dangerous food, plant, battery, ribbon or decoration, contact your veterinarian or the Australian Animal Poisons Helpline promptly rather than waiting for symptoms.
Give Pets A Quiet Place To Retreat
Visitors, music and changes to the normal household routine can be overwhelming. Set up a calm space with familiar bedding, fresh water and favourite toys, and make sure guests know not to disturb your pet while they are resting.
Maintaining normal meal, exercise and sleep routines can help animals feel secure. If your pet becomes anxious around gatherings, speak with your veterinarian before the festive period about an appropriate plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an artificial Christmas tree safe for pets?
An artificial tree avoids live needles and tree water, but it can still fall, be chewed or provide access to cords and ornaments. Anchor it securely and supervise pets around it.
Are plastic or fabric ornaments pet-safe?
They may reduce the risk associated with shattered glass, but no ornament is safe if chewed or swallowed. Keep all decorations out of reach and secure them carefully.
Can my pet wear a Christmas outfit?
Only if the animal remains comfortable and can move, breathe and communicate normally. Keep the session brief and supervised, and remove the outfit at the first sign of discomfort.
What should I do if my pet swallows part of a decoration?
Contact your veterinarian or an animal poisons service promptly. Keep the packaging or a matching item available where possible so the material can be identified.
Celebrate Christmas With Every Member Of The Family
A secure tree, carefully arranged decorations and a quiet retreat can help make Christmas more enjoyable for pets and people. Explore the Pets Christmas range at Christmas Elves for festive toys, clothing, accessories and pet-themed decorations, then choose items that suit your companion’s individual needs.
