Pets are often the heart of the family…and the holidays are a time when we all want to make sure they’re safe, happy and included in the celebrations. Here are ways to ensure your dog or cat stays healthy and stress-free during the season.

Protect Your Pet from Holiday Hazards

The holiday season comes with a lot of potential hazards for pets, from decorations to seasonal plants. Here are a few to watch out for:

• Toxic plants: Mistletoe, holly and poinsettias are all toxic to pets. Keep them out of reach or opt for pet-safe alternatives like artificial decorations.
• Holiday lights: Pets, especially cats, may be intrigued by the twinkling lights. Make sure wires and cords are out of reach to avoid chewing, which could lead to electrocution or other injuries.
• Candles: If you're using candles for ambiance, keep them on high, sturdy surfaces or use flameless LED candles to avoid the risk of a fire if your pet knocks them over.
• Christmas tree safety: If you have a real tree, make sure the water in the tree stand is covered, as it can contain bacteria and chemicals harmful to pets if ingested. If you have cats, try securing your tree to the ceiling or a door frame with fishing line.
• Package decorations: Pets may be tempted to chew on bows and ribbons. If you do use such accessories, keep the gifts in a secure place and put them out just before opening.
• Batteries:Don’t leave batteries where they can be eaten; pets may be especially attracted to the small button batteries often used in toys, games and remotes.

Should accidents happen, “make sure you know how to get to your 24/7 emergency veterinary clinic before there's an emergency,” says theAmerican Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).

The association suggests keeping the contact information for your vet and emergency clinic in an easy-to-find location along with following numbers:

• ASPCA Poison Control Hotline: 888-426-4435
• Pet Poison Helpline: 855-764-7661

Food Pets Can and Can’t Eat

The holiday table is often filled with foods that are tempting to our furry friends but can be harmful or even deadly:

• Can’t eat:
• Chocolate (especially dark chocolate)
• Grapes and raisins
• Onions and garlic (can cause toxicity)
• Alcohol
• Cooked bones (can splinter and cause choking or internal injury)
• Xylitol (a sweetener found in sugar-free treats and gum)
• Fatty foods (which can lead to pancreatitis)
• Safe treats:
• Plain, cooked turkey (without seasoning or bones)
• Carrots, green beans, and other pet-safe vegetables
• Small amounts of plain, unbuttered potatoes or sweet potatoes
• Plain rice or pasta (in moderation)

It’s also important to avoid giving your pet food that’s too rich or fatty. Even if it's safe, too much can upset their stomach and lead to digestive issues.

Of course, pets will be happy to help themselves to food; check that they aren’t surfing tabletops and windowsills. And they have no problems stealing from the garbage either, so make sure your trash is tied up securely.

Visit the ASPCA’sPeople Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets page for more information.

Visitors and Socializing

Some pets bask in the extra attention when you open your home to family and friends. However, the AVMA notes that “even pets who aren't normally shy may become nervous in the hubbub that can accompany a holiday gathering.”

Here are ways to help your pets deal with visitors:

• Prepare your pet: If your pet isn’t used to large groups of people or noisy gatherings, give them a safe space where they can retreat to if they need a break.
• Introduce visitors slowly: For pets that are nervous around strangers, try introducing guests gradually and giving your pet the chance to approach on their own terms.
• Monitor interactions: Be mindful of how your pet is reacting to children or unfamiliar guests. Always supervise interactions to ensure that your pet feels safe and isn’t getting overstimulated.

It helps to know when your pet is becoming overwhelmed. Signs of stress in dogs include barking or whining, cowering, tucking the tail and hiding or avoidance. Stressed cats will also hide or they may meow excessively.

Traveling with Pets

Traveling during the holidays can be stressful for pets, but with a little planning, it can be a smoother experience:

• Pet-friendly accommodations: If you’re traveling overnight, make sure your accommodations are pet-friendly and check the rules ahead of time (e.g., restrictions on pet size or breed).
• Comfort and safety: If you’re traveling by car, use a pet seatbelt, carrier or pet-specific harness to keep your pet safe during the ride. Never leave pets unattended in a hot car, even for a few minutes.
• Pack pet essentials: Bring their food, medications, favorite toys, grooming supplies and anything else they need to feel comfortable.

Learn morehere.

Dogs to be boarded at a kennel “should be current on their vaccinations, heartworm and flea preventative, and be in good health,” say the folks atVCA Animal Hospitals. “Most boarding kennels will require written proof of vaccination from a licensed veterinarian and all applicable pet licenses prior to boarding.”

Dogs can also be visited at home by a family member, friend orprofessional pet sitter. And while cats can be boarded, they vastly prefer staying at home in familiar surroundings.

Holiday Anxiety

The holidays can be a busy, noisy time, which may cause stress or anxiety for some pets. Here are some ways to help them cope:

• Create a calm environment: If your pet gets stressed by noise or visitors, consider setting up a quiet area in your home where they can retreat to.
• Routine is key: Try to stick to your pet’s regular feeding, walking, and play schedule as much as possible, even amidst the holiday chaos. This helps them feel more secure.
• Pet anxiety aids: For particularly anxious pets, you might consider calming products like pheromone diffusers (e.g., Adaptil for dogs or Feliway for cats), anxiety wraps, or even consulting your vet about possible medications or supplements.

Learn more about stress in petshere.

By taking these steps, you can make sure your pet is safe, well-fed and happy during the holidays. It's all about keeping their well-being in mind while also enjoying time with family—furred members included!