Small pets who travel with you, attend a holiday party, supervise the holiday meal, or help you throw your own soiree are exposed to dangers that likely never crossed your mind. The smaller your pet, the more serious an injury or illness can be, and you or another holiday reveler can inadvertently—but easily—step on your small pet’s toe or tail. No matter your plans this year, read our Dr. Treat team’s guide to keeping small pets safe during the holidays.

“Pets of all sizes are inherently curious, and they will investigate anything new in their environment, including holiday decor.”

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#1 Pet-safe travel strategies

Small pets are portable, so you may be likely to travel with them around the holidays. Whether you’re traveling by plane, train, or automobile, before you depart, consider the following:

Obtain a health certificate


If you are traveling across state lines, you will need a health certificate from your veterinarian ensuring your pet is healthy and up-to-date on required vaccinations. A pre-travel visit can also give you a chance to ask your Dr. Treat veterinarian to prescribe your four-legged traveling companion anxiety or car sickness medications, so your pet can travel comfortably.

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Prepare for emergencies in advance


Know where your petite pet can receive care If they become injured or sick during your trip. Keep a list handy that includes information for emergency veterinary facilities along your travel route and in the area of your destination. n addition, keep in mind that you can always access the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center and the Pet Poison Helpline. Bring copies of your pet’s important medical records and a medication list to share with an unfamiliar care team.

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Properly restrain small pets


If you let your small pet loose during travel, they can become trapped in a tight space, be injured by shifting luggage, or become a driver distraction. Loose pets—typically cats—can also easily escape through a vehicle’s open door or window when you stop for gas or food. To prevent your petite pet’s injury, thwart a runaway situation, and protect them during a vehicle accident, always properly restrain your four-legged traveling companion. Use a carrier for cats, and a car seat with restraints or a carrier for small dogs.

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#2 Dangerous holiday foods

Tasty as they may be, many holiday foods are dangerous for pets. Some foods are toxic, while others can cause pancreatitis, stomach upset, or gastrointestinal obstruction. Because a single bite of a dangerous food can easily overwhelm a small pet’s body more easily than a large one’s, keep an extra close eye on your little four-legged friend. Many toxins are dose- and weight-dependent. Therefore, a small bite of milk chocolate may be relatively harmless for a large Labrador retriever, but could cause toxicity in a 10-pound Chihuahua.

Chocolate, xylitol, garlic, onions, grapes, raisins, and macadamia nuts, and foods that include them as ingredients are toxic to pets. Therefore, do not feed them to your pet, and immediately wipe up dropped food bits. In addition, do not leave food unattended. Never give a petite pet fatty meat, gravy, butter, or bacon fat as these can cause pancreatitis. Poultry bones seem like they’re the right size for a tasty treat, but they can splinter and lodge in your pet’s intestines, necessitating an emergency veterinary visit.

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#3 Holiday party hazards

We all love a great holiday party and enjoy spending time with friends and family, but a crowded home can pose many hazards to a small pet. Interactions between pets and unfamiliar visitors can be unpredictable, so consider the following possible scenarios:

Guest injuries


Uncomfortable, overwhelmed pets could bite or scratch a well-meaning guest.

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Pet injuries


Small pets can sustain serious injury if they are dropped, stepped on, or—if handled recklessly—jump from a guest’s arms. Small children are especially drawn to cuddly looking petite pets, and may not safely interact with them.

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Pet stress and anxiety


Loud noises, unfamiliar people, and changes to their routine can cause small pets to become overly stressed.

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Lost pets


Without you being aware, a stressed, panicky pet may bolt out an open door while guests are arriving or departing. Lost pet reports tend to increase around the holidays.

To avoid a negative or dangerous pet and people interaction and to keep your petite pet safely indoors, confine your dog or cat to their own space or crate in a quiet, calm area—away from the party. To help your pet relax, consider playing calming music, applying an anxiety wrap, plugging in a pheromone diffuser, or administering veterinarian-approved supplements or medications.

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#4 Decoration dangers

Pets of all sizes are inherently curious, and they will investigate anything new in their environment, including holiday decor. Around small pets, use caution with the following items:

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Christmas trees


Small pets may be able to slink under or behind the tree to access the chemical-laced tree water, electric cords, or breakable ornaments. A cat who climbs the tree can knock it down—potentially injuring themself, you, and other pets. Secure your Christmas tree to an immovable structure to prevent tipping, use a pet gate or playpen to keep your petite pet from the potentially poisonous water in the Christmas tree base, and unplug tree lights when you cannot supervise your pet.

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Tinsel and ribbon


Cats are attracted to shiny objects and love to play with string toys. However, if your cat ingests these items, they can experience a deadly intestinal blockage. If you have an especially playful and curious kitty, avoid using tinsel, ribbons, or string to decorate or gift wrap.

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Candles


Your petite pet can jump onto a countertop and knock over or brush against a candle flame. Always supervise your pet when you are burning candles, and always extinguish the flames when you leave the room.

They may be small, but your petite pet is mighty, and they occupy a large space in your heart and home. Our Dr. Treat team helps keep pets of all sizes happy and healthy through our innovative, technology-focused, individualized preventive care approach. Our Dr. Treat One™ care plan gives you unlimited in-person access to well or sick pet visits. In addition, our 24/7 virtual care team has your back no matter the time or where you travel. Remember, for the ultimate holiday peace of mind, install our Dr. Treat app, so we are always just a few taps away wherever your travels take you and your petite pet pal.

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Plants


Most holiday plants can irritate your pet’s mouth if they chew or eat them, and some plants can cause serious toxicity. Lilies are particularly dangerous for cats, quickly causing life-threatening kidney failure to a cat who consumes them. Before you purchase plants to decorate your home for the holidays, check the ASPCA toxic and non-toxic plants list to learn which plants will not harm your pet.

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Final notes

They may be small, but your petite pet is mighty, and they occupy a large space in your heart and home. Our Dr. Treat team helps keep pets of all sizes happy and healthy through our innovative, technology-focused, individualized preventive care approach. Our Dr. Treat One™ care plan gives you unlimited in-person access to well or sick pet visits. In addition, our 24/7 virtual care team has your back no matter the time or where you travel. Remember, for the ultimate holiday peace of mind, install our Dr. Treat app, so we are always just a few taps away wherever your travels take you and your petite pet pal.