Dog Friendly Holiday Decorations

‘Tis the season to decorate your home - safely. If you’ve got a pet, you may be wondering if your holiday decorations are safe for them. Check out some safe plant and light alternatives and other decorations to keep away from your pets.

Hazardous Holiday Plants

Turns out, many popular holiday plants are actually poisonous to pets. Some of these include mistletoe, holly, and poinsettias. While they add a festive touch to your home, they can pose serious health risks to your furry friends.

Mistletoe

Often hung in doorways for a holiday kiss, mistletoe contains substances called lectins and phoratoxins, which can cause severe digestive issues in pets. Symptoms of mistletoe poisoning include drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, slowed heart rate, and erratic behavior. In severe cases, it can lead to seizures and even death. To ensure your pet's safety, avoid using real mistletoe in your decorations.

Holly

With its glossy green leaves and bright red berries, holly is a staple in holiday decor. However, the berries and leaves contain saponins, which can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and drooling in pets. The spiny leaves can also cause physical injury to a pet's mouth and digestive tract if ingested. If you have holly in your home, make sure it's out of reach of your pets, or consider using artificial holly instead.

Poinsettias

Known for their vibrant red and green foliage, poinsettias are a popular holiday plant. While not as toxic as mistletoe and holly, they can still cause mild to moderate digestive upset in pets. The milky sap of poinsettias contains chemicals called diterpenoid euphorbol esters, which can cause drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea. If you want to keep poinsettias in your home, place them in areas inaccessible to your pets.

To keep your pets safe during the holidays, consider using pet-friendly alternatives to these hazardous plants. There are many beautiful and festive options that won't put your furry friends at risk. By making thoughtful choices in your holiday decor, you can create a joyful and safe environment for everyone in your home.

Pet Safe Plants During the Holidays

There are great alternatives to these plants that are completely safe for pets:

• Skip the mistletoe and try Schlumbergera (also known as Christmas Cactus)
• Holly is toxic to pets. Try Autumn Olive. You can barely tell the difference.
• Love the bright red of poinsettias? Red roses will give you the same vibrant color without causing your pet harm.
• Silk plants are also a great alternative. This way you can have the same look and avoid toxic substances.

Here's a bit more info about each:

The Christmas Cactus, or Schlumbergera, is not only non-toxic to pets but also a beautiful addition to your holiday decor. Its bright, colorful flowers can add a festive touch to any room without the worry of harming your furry friends. This plant thrives in cooler temperatures and indirect sunlight, making it an excellent choice for indoor decorations.

Autumn Olive, although not as commonly known as holly, is a safe and attractive alternative. Its red berries and green foliage mimic the appearance of holly, but without the toxic risks. Autumn Olive is hardy and can withstand various growing conditions, making it a versatile addition to your home or garden decor.

For those who love the vibrant red of poinsettias, red roses are a perfect substitute. They offer the same festive color and can be arranged in beautiful bouquets or as part of your holiday centerpiece. Unlike poinsettias, red roses do not pose any danger to pets, allowing you to decorate freely.

Silk plants are another fantastic option. They provide the look and feel of real plants without the associated risks. Plus, silk plants can be reused year after year, making them a cost-effective and safe choice for your holiday decorations.

Light it Up

When hanging up lights, be aware of the chances of your pet pulling them down. Glass bulbs can be very dangerous if they were to fall and shatter. Choose strings of lights with plastic covers or rope lights. Rope lights are especially durable and less likely to break if your pet decides to play with them.

Rope lights are a versatile and pet-friendly option for holiday lighting. They can be used indoors or outdoors, wrapped around railings, or even used to outline pathways. 

Their durable plastic covers protect the lights from damage and reduce the risk of broken glass, keeping your pets safe. Additionally, rope lights come in various colors and styles, allowing you to customize your holiday decor to your liking.

Candles are a great addition to a holiday atmosphere but can also be a fire hazard. One wrong tail wag and your pup could easily get burned. Electric candles are a safer alternative. 

They are flameless and have no melting wax, but they still provide a mood-setting flickering light.

Electric candles come in various designs, from traditional wax-like appearances to more modern styles. 

They are battery-operated and often come with timers or remote controls, making them convenient and easy to use. 

With no open flame or hot wax, electric candles eliminate the risk of accidental burns or fires, providing peace of mind during the holiday season.

Other Decor to Avoid

Same as with glass bulbs, glass ornaments can be knocked down, shattered, and glass shards can get in your pet’s paws or mouth. When hanging ornaments, try to find shatterproof ones or hang them high and secure them to the tree with wire.

Shatterproof ornaments are made from durable materials such as plastic or acrylic, which can withstand the curiosity of pets without breaking. These ornaments come in various designs and colors, allowing you to maintain a festive look while ensuring the safety of your pets. For added security, hang these ornaments higher on the tree and use strong hooks or wire to keep them in place.

Long tablecloths can be tempting for pets to pull on. Next thing you know, your holiday feast is on the floor. Choose a tablecloth that your pet can’t reach.

To prevent accidents, consider using shorter tablecloths or table runners that do not hang over the edge of the table. This reduces the temptation for pets to tug on them and helps keep your holiday spread intact. Additionally, using placemats or decorative chargers can add a festive touch to your table setting without posing a risk to your pets.

Popcorn strings, snowman crafts made from marshmallows, and other food-based decor are waiting to get attacked by a curious pup. Either keep these cute crafts high out of reach or avoid them altogether.

While food-based decorations are charming and nostalgic, they can pose serious risks to pets. Instead, opt for non-edible alternatives such as felt garlands, wooden ornaments, or paper crafts. These options provide the same festive feel without the temptation for pets to chew or ingest potentially harmful items.

Pet-Friendly Holiday Tips

Aside from choosing pet-safe decorations, there are a few other tips to keep in mind to ensure your furry friends have a safe and happy holiday season:

• Secure the Tree: Make sure your Christmas tree is securely anchored to prevent it from tipping over if your pet decides to investigate. You can use a sturdy tree stand or even tie the tree to a wall or ceiling for added stability.
  
  
• Avoid Tinsel: Tinsel is shiny and attractive to pets, but it can cause serious digestive issues if ingested. Skip the tinsel this year or use it sparingly in areas your pet can't reach.
  
  
• Watch the Wrapping: Be cautious with gift wrapping materials. Ribbons, strings, and small decorations can be choking hazards for pets. Keep an eye on your pets while you're wrapping gifts and clean up any scraps promptly.
  
  
• Create a Safe Space: The holidays can be overwhelming for pets with all the new sights, sounds, and visitors. Create a quiet, comfortable space where your pet can retreat if they need a break from the festivities.
  
  
• Be Mindful of Holiday Treats: While it's tempting to share holiday treats with your pets, many human foods can be harmful to them. Chocolate, grapes, raisins, and certain nuts are toxic to pets. Stick to pet-friendly treats to ensure your furry friends stay healthy and happy.
  

More Resources

For additional tips on keeping your pets safe during the holiday season, check out this great article:

Holiday Safety Tips and Tricks for a Stress-Free Season by Porch

Decorating for the holidays can be a fun and festive time, but it's important to keep your pets in mind. By choosing pet-safe plants, lights, and decorations, you can ensure that everyone in your household has a safe and happy holiday season. Remember, a little extra planning and precaution can go a long way in keeping your furry friends out of harm's way. Enjoy the holiday season with your loved ones, both two-legged and four-legged!

Updated July 2024