From Halloween to New Year’s: Keeping Your Pet’s Needs in the Picture

The last few months of the year can become both busy and chaotic quickly. With the upcoming events, family gatherings, holiday parties, and the frequent hustle and bustle of the last months of the year, pets can easily become lost in the commotion. The time between Halloween costumes and New Year fireworks can be extremely stressful for the pets in the home. For the pets, those celebrations may mean something quite different: unfamiliar visitors, changed schedules, more noise, more stress from their owners, or less time with their people.

Responsible pet ownership doesn’t mean giving up the things we enjoy. It means keeping our pets’ needs in mind as we make our plans. Consideration ahead of time can make the season more comfortable for them and more manageable for us.

 

General Cautions

During the holiday season, it is common to have friends and family over for dinners or parties. How this is handled with your pet will depend on the type of pet that you have, their temperament and personality. Keeping them safe and avoiding stress is the most important part of responsible pet ownership, especially during the holiday season. Know beforehand what your particular pet is comfortable with, and how best to handle it. Some pets, in particular, some dogs, cats, and birds, may enjoy the festivities and new people coming to visit. Others, such as rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, reptiles and amphibians, may prefer a quiet place to be, away from the noise, commotion and strangers.

If you have people coming over, whether for a week or just for the party, make sure that they are aware of and respect the house rules concerning the pets. This includes:

·       Do not feed the pets without permission

·       Do not give pets alcohol or caffeinated drinks, and keep those beverages out of their reach.

·       Do not approach the pet unless the pet is familiar with you and allows it

·       Do not go into closed rooms and handle the pets

·       Do not let a pet out that is confined without permission

·       Do not chase the pet if they are walking away

·       Do not attempt to pet or play with a sleeping pet or if the pet is resting away from the activities

·       Keep purses, suitcases, medications, sugar-free items such as gum or toothpaste, snacks, food items, baby or kid’s toys and other items stored securely in a location that the pet cannot access

·       Be aware of the location of any pet when you are coming in or out of the house

If visitors are bringing their pets, keep them separated from the household pets if possible. If they are potentially compatible, provide an introduction first before allowing them to interact with each other, and monitor them when they are together. Be aware of what your own pets may or may not allow or be comfortable with and adjust as necessary.

Contact your veterinarian office early and inquire as to any hours of availability that might change over the holidays. If you are traveling, locate veterinarians at your destination as well as the route that you will be traveling on. If you are expecting guest pets, plan ahead on how they will be taken care of in case of an emergency.

Travel or Pet Sitter

If you are traveling with pets, make sure to have any microchip registration up to date, current identification on the pet, and secure crates or tethers. If possible, have current photographs and information for each pet that will make it easier to identify if they become lost for any reason.

Make sure that if you are going to visit someone, that they are aware that you are bringing your pet(s), that they are comfortable with it,

Carry enough food for more than the planned trip, and make sure all medications are secure and properly packed. Consider having an extra collar with I.D. tags, leash, and/or harness for each pet if appropriate. Include their favorite toys, bedding and blankets to help them feel comfortable.

Be aware of any hazardous weather conditions that you may encounter on the trip and plan ahead of time how you will handle it. If you are visiting friends or family, make sure that they know the route that you are traveling, your estimated arrival time, and that if there is an accident or other delay that they may be able to assist in caring for the pets or help find them. This could also be for anyone in your home, or home area who could assist in an event that prohibits you from taking care of your pets, or if an accident occurs and the pets are lost. It is best if you can keep in contact with those at home and anyone who you are going to visit so that if anything does happen, they can react immediately and avoid any potential delays

If you are traveling out of the country with your pet, become familiar with the country’s requirements and if any certifications are required, make sure that you have them done within the correct time limit.

If you are not able to take your pet with you, consider either a pet sitter or boarding kennel/cattery. Make sure to make arrangements early, as these will book up early during the holiday season. Leave clear instructions for the caregiver, including veterinary contacts, routines, medications, meals and how to reach you or someone local who can step in if something happens. Know beforehand what you will expect from the pet sitter and discuss it honestly with them. Consult with the boarding kennel early, know what the average day is for your pet, and make sure that all required vaccinations are up to date.

 

Holiday Food

Many of the foods and sweets that we humans enjoy during the holiday are not healthy for our pets. They could make them sick, or potentially cause their death. Being aware of what food they can safely eat and what they cannot is very important, and can avoid an emergency visit to the veterinarian’s offices.

The food that is safe will depend largely on the type of pet, but it is best to assume that all sweets, including candy, cookies, pies and cakes, are off limits to all pets. One of the dangers of these sweets is xylitol or xylitol like ingredients such as birch or wood sugar, meso-xylitol, xylitol, or xylite. This is extremely toxic to dogs and should be kept away from them. Any amount of this product can mean an emergency visit to the vet, or worse. These are found in many of the sugar-free gums, It is also considered unsafe for cats. Chocolate, grapes, and raisins are also a danger to pets. Dogs and cats can have a small treat of plain meat, depending on the type of meat that is prepare. Due to the salt and fat content, ham is not recommended unless it is a very tiny piece. Avoid allowing them access to cooked bones, fat or turkey skin. They may enjoy green beans, and sweet potatoes, but these should not have been cooked with any flavoring, salt, spices, butter, onions, garlic, etc. Dogs may also enjoy carrots, plain pumpkin, and cranberries, but again, avoid any and all flavoring. Other species of pets may also enjoy a small treat from the holiday cooking but it is best to either talk with your veterinarian or research it thoroughly before feeding them any treats from the festivities.

Keep unattended holiday drinks out of reach. Beyond standard food items, festive favorites like eggnog containing alcohol or nutmeg, as well as caffeinated beverages pose severe neurological risks to pets if a guest or playful visitor leaves a glass within paw's reach.

Make sure that all food products are inaccessible to the pets at all times. If you have pets that may be able to jump onto or fly onto tables or counters, place the food in cupboards, the refrigerator, or pet proof containers.

Keep uncooked yeast-based bread, roll, and pizza dough out of pets’ reach, including while it is rising. In dogs and cats, it can expand in the warm environment of their stomach and cause dangerous bloating or obstruction. Fermenting yeast also produces alcohol, which could cause alcohol poisoning. If a pet eats raw yeast dough, contact a veterinarian promptly.

Make sure that all food products and trash are inaccessible to the pets at all times. Holiday cooking generates a lot of waste—such as turkey carcasses, bones, fat trimmings, and wrappers—that can be fatal if scavenged. Never leave kitchen trash cans unsecured. If you have pets that can knock over bins or counter-surfers that can reach tables, ensure trash cans have secure, locking lids, and place food and waste safely inside cupboards, the refrigerator, or heavy pet-proof containers.

If you feel that your pet has ingested anything that could potentially be harmful, call your local veterinarian or Pet Poison Helpline®

 

Decorations

While it will depend on the type of pet that you have and their access to the home, it is best to keep decorations, ribbons, tinsel, tree needles, holiday candy and other items above the pet’s level. Consider what your pet might be able to reach, chew on or knock over before making your decoration arrangements. Glass ornaments are prime toys for active cats, especially when hung on the tree. If you want ornaments on the lower level of your tree, make sure that they are more “cat friendly” and will not easily break or cause any potential health risk. If you believe that your pet will chew on, climb or knock over your tree, place a pet barrier around the base or anchor the tree to the wall.

Due to the chemicals in air fresheners and candles, they may also be hazardous to the health of many pets, so use with caution. These can cause allergic reactions as well as respiratory complications. Be cautious with Advent Wreath candles or Menorah candles if they are accessible to any of your pets and may be knocked over or burn the pet.

Blinking holiday lights may be harmful to some pets. Make sure that those pets that may be affected are sheltered from them.

Unusual commotion, concussion, or noise may be stressful to many pets. If your pet is sensitive to these, provide them a safe, quiet place to retreat to. When possible, turn on a radio or television to help lessen the outside distractions, but do not turn it on so loud that it becomes a stress for the pet.

Community Events

During the holidays, especially in December, many families attend Christmas pageants, plays, concerts and other events. If this is something that you are planning on, hold a family meeting and make arrangements on who will help care for the pets on those specific days so that they are fed, exercised and their needs are still met. This is especially true if the pet requires regular medication at specific, set times. While it may require some adjustment on your part, it is important that the pets are not neglected during this time. They do not understand the holiday season and still rely on the love, care and attention from you as their owners. While their normal routines may be disrupted at this time, taking the time to assure them that you are still there and caring for them will help them successfully make it through the holidays.

If the owners and family will be gone all day at an event, arrange to have someone come and let them out and interact with them sometime during the day.

Managing Holiday Costs for Pet Care

The holiday season can stretch wallets thin with gifts, travel, and extra events. Before spending on seasonal extras, make sure your pet’s ongoing needs—like regular food, medications, and routine care—are fully budgeted and covered. Unexpected veterinary visits from holiday hazards (like accidental food ingestion or decorations) can happen quickly, so keeping a small safety buffer for their care gives you peace of mind all season long.

 

Beyond Dogs and Cats: Protecting Other Family Pets

When we think about holiday stress, our minds usually go straight to dogs and cats. But households often include birds, small mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and fish—animals whose needs are entirely different, and whose environments are uniquely sensitive to holiday disruptions.

• Birds (Parrots, Cockatiels, and Others): Birds have extraordinarily delicate respiratory systems. Holiday candles, heavily scented plug-in air fresheners, and fumes from non-stick cookware used during big family meals can be toxic or even fatal to them. Because they are also sensitive to loud noises and frantic commotion, place their cages in a quiet, stable room away from heavy foot traffic and holiday music.
• Small Mammals (Rabbits, Guinea Pigs, Hamsters): These animals thrive on predictable routines. Sudden changes in feeding times or strangers walking past their enclosures can cause severe stress. If you allow rabbits or guinea pigs out for floor time, keep a close eye on exterior doors (to prevent escapes), protect trailing electrical cords from holiday lights, and ensure dropped food items—like chocolate or salty snacks—stay completely out of reach.
• Reptiles and Amphibians: These pets rely entirely on precise temperature gradients and lighting schedules. Moving a tank temporarily to a "quiet room" to get it away from a party can accidentally disrupt their heat or UVB lighting. Furthermore, well-meaning guests (especially children) should be reminded not to tap on glass, open enclosures, or try to feed them holiday treats.
• Aquarium Fish: One of the biggest holiday risks to a fish tank is the well-meaning guest or child who decides to "feed the fish" extra treats because they look hungry. Overfeeding quickly fouls the water and spikes ammonia levels. Additionally, keep tanks away from exterior doors where cold winter drafts can cause dangerous water temperature fluctuations.

Unlike free-roaming pets, these animals live in enclosed spaces and cannot move away from the chaos on their own. Protecting their quiet spaces, air quality, and stable routines is an essential part of keeping the whole household safe and comfortable through the season.

 

HALLOWEEN: Is Your Pet Afraid of Ghosts?

Halloween can be a fun time for people, but can be very stressful for our pets. To keep them safe, it is best to be familiar with your pet and what they can handle. Some pets may enjoy the commotion, but others may become anxious and stressed. Certain pets may enjoy greeting the trick or treaters, and if you have the right type of pet, you could possibly train them to help hand out the treats. If you know that your pet is not comfortable with the constant ringing of the bell, you may consider muting the bell, or if the weather allows, sitting outside and greeting the trick or treaters before the bell is rung. If that is not an option, you may try placing the pet(s) in a quiet room away from the activities and turn on a radio or television to help mute the sound.

Be aware that some pets may be protective of you, the family and home, and they may view the trick or treaters as a threat. If this is how you feel your pet may react, it is best to place them in a safe and contained area.

Halloween costumes can be scary for many pets. Some take it in stride, while others can be frightened. If you are planning on wearing any costume, you may want to allow the pet to see and smell it beforehand, and possibly put it on before Halloween so you can train your pet that it is okay.

 

THANKSGIVING: Not Just Turkey and Stuffing

The Thanksgiving weekend frequently brings the traditional football game parties and yearly Black Friday/Cyber Monday events as well as the family gatherings.

If people are gathered around your television set for the big game, whether inside or outside, and animals are also there, be aware of plates of food within easy reach of opportunistic dogs, and even some cats. Also, if the people tend to get loud and noisy and chest thumping, some pets may become frightened and bolt or become aggressive. If this might be a problem, it may be best to separate the pets for the time that the game is on, preferably in a quiet place where they can relax and not be stressed by the activities.

Black Friday and Cyber Monday may also present unique pet care issues. If you are one of the thousands of people who sit in the wee hours of the morning to wait for the doors to open, make arrangements beforehand for the pets to be taken care of. If you are on the computer on Cyber Monday, make sure to get up and away from the computer and take the dogs out for a walk, play a game with the cat or otherwise engage with your pets.

CHRISTMAS: More Than Just Presents?

Christmas is a special time of year for many people. It can also be a very stressful and chaotic time for pets. If possible, keep this holiday as low key as possible. If there will be frequent visitors who may stress out the pet, make sure to provide them with a quiet safe place to retreat to. Consider spending some quality time with them such as an extra-long walk or hike, or just sit with them and give them some undivided attention and love.

If there will be presents under the tree, make sure that your pets will not chew or play with them. If necessary, block them off or wait until Christmas Eve or Christmas morning before putting them out.

NEW YEAR’S EVE: Too Much Celebration?

Most pets are frightened by the loud noise and concussion of fireworks. Stray dogs entering shelters also escalate the days after July 4^th and New Year’s Day. Take serious precautions to keep your pets safe during this time of year. Leave them home, and keep them safely confined. Secure crates, an interior room with a radio playing at normal levels, and no access to outside doors or windows can help prevent escapes. If there is a chance of fireworks in your immediate area, such as at the park or stadium nearby, or neighborhood kids shooting off bottle rockets, you may want to desensitize your pet beforehand. You can do this by locating free firework videos on the internet and playing them at a low volume while your pet is eating or playing with you. Slowly increase the volume, being aware of how it might be affecting your pet. This training may help them through the New Year’s fireworks safely.

If there is a likelihood of them bolting, make sure that all outside doors are closed and secure and when entering or leaving the home, be aware of where the pet is.

 

While the holiday season may be more chaotic, with careful planning, you and your pets should be able to have a memorable and joyous time without adding more stress or problems. Take the time beforehand to make plans and adjust schedules when needed, keeping your pets needs in mind.