Dr. Linley Cook, DVM, DACVECC
Owner Veterinarian Arista Dallas
The holidays bring sparkle, color, and festive décor, but for pets, many of these cheerful decorations can pose serious risks. Understanding the dangers hidden in your seasonal décor can help keep your pets safe and knowing when to seek emergency care can make all the difference.
Common Holiday Decoration Hazards:
- Ornaments and Shattered Glass
Pets may be tempted to bat at or chew ornaments. Broken glass or swallowed ornament pieces can cause mouth injuries, internal cuts, or dangerous blockages. - Tinsel and Ribbon
Cats are especially drawn to shiny, string-like items. Ingesting tinsel, ribbon, or metallic garland can lead to life-threatening linear foreign bodies requiring surgery. - Christmas Lights and Electrical Cords
Chewing on cords can result in electrical burns, seizures, or electrocution. Even mild exposure can cause mouth trauma or fluid accumulation in the lungs. - Holiday Plants
Several seasonal plants can be harmful if ingested:- Poinsettias: mild stomach upset
- Mistletoe: vomiting, diarrhea, low blood pressure
- Holly: drooling, nausea, abdominal pain
- Lilies: extremely toxic to cats and can cause kidney failure
- Snow Globes and Liquid Decorations
Some snow globes contain ethylene glycol—the same toxic ingredient found in antifreeze. Even a small amount can be fatal without immediate treatment. - Potpourri and Essential Oil DiffusersLiquid potpourri and certain essential oils (tea tree, eucalyptus, citrus, pine) can cause chemical burns, tremors, and difficulty breathing.
- Batteries From Light-Up Decorations
Button batteries can burn through a pet’s esophagus in as little as 30 minutes if ingested.
Holiday Décor Safety Tips:
- Secure Your Tree: Anchor your Christmas tree to prevent it from toppling if a pet jumps or plays around it.
- Avoid Edible Decorations: Skip popcorn garlands, candy canes, or salt dough ornaments. They are irresistible to pets and extremely dangerous if eaten.
- Keep Cords Out of Reach: Use cord covers or pet-safe barriers to reduce risk of chewing.
- Choose Pet-Safe Plants: Opt for artificial or non-toxic alternatives when possible.
- Supervise Tree Water: Tree water may contain bacteria, fertilizer, or preservatives. Keep it covered so pets can’t drink it.
- Place Fragile Items Higher Up: Hang breakable ornaments on upper branches, out of paw’s reach.
- Store Chemicals and Scents Safely: Keep diffusers and potpourri in areas where pets cannot access or knock them over.
Signs Your Pet May Have Ingested a Holiday Hazard:
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Drooling or pawing at the mouth
- Swollen abdomen or signs of discomfort
- Weakness, tremors, or seizures
- Burns around the mouth
- Difficulty breathing
- Sudden changes in behavior
If you notice any of these symptoms or saw your pet swallow something, they need immediate veterinary attention.
When to Seek Emergency Care:
Holiday decoration-related injuries can escalate quickly. Bring your pet to Arista immediately if they:
- Ate tinsel, ribbons, ornaments, batteries, or toxic plants
- Chewed electrical cords
- Show any signs of poisoning
- Are vomiting repeatedly or cannot pass stool
- Seem lethargic, painful, or not themselves
Our emergency and specialty team is equipped to handle urgent cases 24/7, including surgery, advanced imaging, and critical care.
The holidays should be joyful, not full of worry. By keeping decorations pet-safe and acting quickly when something goes wrong, you can help protect your furry family members this season.
If your pet experiences any emergency this holiday season, or any time of year, Arista Advanced Pet Care is here for you 24/7. Visit us or call immediately for urgent care and guidance.
