Celebrate the Holidays with Your Furry Family Members: Safety, Joy & Inclusion
At PawsNatural, we believe that pets are family—and the holiday season is the perfect time to include them in the festivities.
Why Include Pets in Your Holiday Celebrations?
The holidays bring warmth, togetherness and moments to make lasting memories. That’s true for our four‑legged companions too. While they may not understand the holiday season exactly as we do, pets do pick up on the changes, routines and emotional energy around them. According to Pet Parents, while dogs “basically do not know it’s Christmas,” they do notice changes in decor, guest visits, noises, and new routines.
Meanwhile, the American Kennel Club (AKC) emphasizes that the season offers a great opportunity for bonding—with treats, games, walks and downtime.
And from a safety perspective, the Toronto Humane Society reminds us that the holiday season carries unique hazards for pets—making preparation key.
Holiday Safety First: Protecting Our Pets
Our celebrations bring decorations, new foods, guests, noise and disruption of routine. For our pets, that can mean stress or real danger. Here are essential safety tips:
1. Hazardous Decorations & Plants
- Festive plants like mistletoe and holly are toxic to pets. Keep them out of reach or use artificial alternatives
- Glittering tinsel, wires, ornaments, stray pine needles and wrapping paper can all become choking or ingestion hazards.
- Anchor your Christmas tree securely: climbing cats, curious dogs, and tree‑toppling are real risks. (Recommended by Toronto Humane Society.)
2. Food & Gift Safety
- Keep chocolate, xylitol (found in sugar‑free products), grapes/raisins, alcohol and cooked bones out of reach. These may be common during holiday meals but are dangerous for pets.
- Gifts with food scents or wrapping may look like toys to pets. As pet parents links out: “All those covered boxes under the tree … might look like they’re for me!”
3. Noise & Crowd Management
- With guests, door traffic, music and even fireworks around New Year’s, pets may feel unsettled. Create a safe, quiet retreat for them—a “go‑to zone” where they can rest.
- For dogs especially, the AKC notes that even 10 minutes of pet‑owner interaction can reduce stress hormones.
4. Keep Some Routine
- Dogs thrive on habit. If you feed or walk them at unusual times every day of the holiday, they may feel unsettled. Try to keep core routines as close to normal as possible.
- Consider gradual decorating and changes rather than overnight transformations, reducing shock to them.
Ways to Include Your Pet in Holiday Fun
Celebration doesn’t have to be all caution—there’s plenty of joy to be had! Here are ways to include your pet meaningfully:
- Holiday Photo Time: Dress them in a festive bandana or holiday collar, include them in the family photo. This builds positive associations. Self-portrait at our partner Flash24 Self-Portrait Studio is a recommended option.
- Holiday Games & Enrichment: Try hide‑and‑seek with treats, puzzle‑games, or go for a winter walk together. AKC offers ideas like the “Bowl Game,” muffin‑tin treat games, and walk outings.
- Personalised Gifts for Them: Choose a toy for them to unwrap, a cozy bed for the season, or a treat designed just for them. Pet parents highlights that new toys and attention are part of what pets look forward to.
- Quality Time: Even if hosting guests and doing holiday errands, take a moment for your pet—some extra belly rubs, a cuddle, a calm time together. It contributes to their emotional well‑being.
- Safe Socialising: If you bring your pet to a gathering, introduce them gradually, provide a “quiet spot” and monitor food/crowd access.
A Thoughtful Note on Pet Gifts & Adoption
The holiday season is tempting for surprises—but when it comes to bringing a pet into the home, both the Toronto Humane Society and other experts caution that pets are lifelong commitments, not just holiday treats.
- Pets require ongoing care: According to the Ontario Veterinary Medical Association (OVMA), dogs in Ontario may cost $4,000–$5,500 annually, cats $3,000–$4,000 (and that’s excluding emergencies).
- Surprising someone with a pet may not be ideal—ensure the decision involves the primary caregiver and that supplies and expectations are clearly understood.
Final Summary:
This holiday season let’s celebrate with more than decor and festivities. Let’s include our pets with love, awareness and intentional care. When we balance fun and safety, the holidays can become meaningful for every member of the family—fur included.
At Paws Natural Pet Store, we’re dedicated to providing you with the products, advice and support to make this holiday a safe and joyous one for your furry companions.
Happy holidays to you, your family—and your pets!