Holiday Pet Safety Tips: Keep the Season Merry, Bright & Safe
Senior Pet Month Featured Blog From Your Friends at DFW Critter Sitter
The holidays bring joy, celebration, visitors, and travel — but for pets, all of that excitement can also create stress, confusion, and unexpected safety risks.
At DFW Critter Sitter, we want your pets to enjoy the season as much as you do. With a little awareness and preparation, you can keep your furry family members relaxed, safe, and happy all holiday long.
Below are our top holiday pet-safety tips to help ensure a peaceful, pet-friendly season.
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- A cute dog and cat wearing holiday sweaters sit together on a festive blanket beneath a decorated Christmas tree with colorful lights, capturing the warmth of holiday pet care.
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- Festive Thanksgiving celebration with a dog in a turkey costume, surrounded by family, pumpkins, and holiday decorations. Perfect for pet sitting and holiday event themes.
🎄 1. Holiday Food Safety: Protecting Your Pet’s Tummy
Holiday meals are irresistible — especially to curious pets. But many festive foods can be dangerous or even toxic.
Foods to Keep Away From Pets
- Turkey bones (splinter easily and can cause choking or internal injury)
- Fatty foods like ham, gravy, and casseroles (can trigger pancreatitis)
- Chocolate (especially dark chocolate)
- Grapes and raisins (can cause kidney failure)
- Onions, garlic, scallions, chives (in many holiday dishes)
- Alcohol (pets can react severely to even small amounts)
- Xylitol (found in sugar-free gum, candies, baked goods — extremely toxic)
Pet-Safe Holiday Treats
- Plain, cooked turkey (no seasoning, butter, or skin)
- Steamed green beans
- Pumpkin purée
- Store-bought holiday pet treats
Tip: Remind guests not to slip pets scraps under the table — even small amounts of “human food” can lead to emergency vet visits.
🚗 2. Travel Safety: Smooth Trips & Calm Stays
Whether your pet is traveling with you or staying home, preparation makes the holidays safer and less stressful.
For ALL Pets — Traveling or Staying Behind
- Confirm microchips and ID tags are up to date
- Use secure leashes, collars, and harnesses
- Prepare for increased escape risks with holiday foot traffic
If Your Pet Is Traveling With You
- Use a secure crate or seatbelt-style harness
- Pack a travel kit: food, medications, bowls, blankets, toys
- Keep feeding and potty schedules consistent
- Never leave pets alone in a cold car
- Bring vaccination records for interstate travel or pet-friendly lodging
If Your Pet Is Staying Home
Many pets feel safest sticking to a familiar routine.
DFW Critter Sitter offers holiday-season services to keep them relaxed and comfortable:
- In-home drop-in visits
- Overnight house sitting
- Doggy daycare
- Small-capacity, cozy home boarding
Holiday schedules fill up fast — book early to secure your dates.
Call/Text: 945-268-6668
🧑🤝🧑 3. Human Interaction Safety: Body Language, Boundaries & Advocacy
More guests mean more stimulation — and not all pets enjoy the excitement. Understanding and respecting your pet’s limits helps avoid stress, fear, or defensive behavior.
Watch for Early Stress Signals
- Lip licking or repeated yawning
- “Whale eye” (whites of eyes showing)
- Avoiding interaction or turning away
- Stiff posture
- Tucked tail or lowered ears
- Pacing or hiding
- Refusing treats
These subtle cues often appear before a bigger reaction.
Advocate for Your Pet
Your pet relies on you to be their voice. Helpful phrases include:
- “Let’s give her a little space.”
- “He’ll say hello when he’s ready.”
- “She’s feeling shy right now.”
- “He gets nervous around children — let’s admire him from a distance.”
Setting boundaries is not rude — it’s responsible.
Create a Calm Retreat
Give your pet a safe space to decompress when visitors arrive:
- A comfortable bed or crate
- Fresh water
- Toys or chews
- A quiet room, closed door, or gated area
A predictable “escape zone” dramatically reduces holiday stress.
Teach Guests — Especially Kids — How to Interact Safely
- Always ask before petting
- No hugging or leaning over pets
- Avoid disturbing pets while sleeping or eating
- Let pets approach first
- Supervise children at all times
Be Mindful of Open Doors
Deliveries, greetings, and foot traffic increase escape risks.
Use baby gates, leashes during greetings, and gentle reminders to close doors completely.
🌟 A Safe, Happy Holiday Starts With Awareness
From avoiding harmful foods to preparing for travel and understanding your pet’s comfort around guests, a little preparation goes a long way toward ensuring a calm, joyful holiday for your pets.
At DFW Critter Sitter, we’re dedicated to helping families enjoy a stress-free season with warm, loving care tailored to every pet’s needs.
Need pet care this holiday season? We’re here to help.
angie@dfwcrittersitter.com