It's a time of joy, celebration, and connection during the holidays, but if you work with pets, you also need to make sure they are safe. Christmas can be full of hidden dangers for pets, like decorated trees, rich foods, flashing lights, and busy homes.
Your customers trust you not only for the products you sell, but also for the information you give them. This guide gives you important Christmas safety tips for pets that are useful all over the world. You can share it with others to build brand trust and customer loyalty.
Let's get into some specific, useful advice to make sure that pets all over the world have a happy and safe Christmas.
During the holidays, our homes change a lot. New sounds, smells, visitors, and decorations come in. People may be excited about these changes, but they can be too much for pets or even put them in danger.
During the holidays, the average home is full of dangers for pets, from poisonous plants to delicious chocolate desserts. The ASPCA says that emergency vet visits go up by 20–25% in December, mostly because pets accidentally eat holiday foods or decorations.
When strangers come and go, pets, especially cats and nervous dogs, may get stressed and confused. More noise and broken routines can make people hide, get angry, or try to run away.
Ornaments that sparkle, candles that flicker, and lights that twinkle can all be dangerous to chew on or choke on. As pet professionals, knowing about these risks can help you teach your clients and suggest safer options.
The famous Christmas tree is a big part of holiday decorations, but if you don't take care of it, it can be dangerous for cats and dogs who want to know what's going on.
Yes and no. Christmas trees themselves aren't very poisonous, but they can be bad for your health in a number of ways:
Pine Needles: Sharp and hard to digest. If you chew or swallow them, they could hurt your stomach, make you throw up, or even puncture it.
Tree Water: Water can have mold, bacteria, or fertilizers in it, which can be bad for pets if they drink it.
Artificial Flocking: The fake "snow" on fake trees could have chemicals in it that make pets throw up or upset their stomachs.
Setting up a pet-safe space is both smart and protective. Here's how to help customers:
Stabilize the Tree: A tree that tips over is very dangerous. Encourage people to use a heavy, wide-based stand and tie the tree to the wall or ceiling with fishing line that can't be seen.
Avoid Tinsel and Ribbons: Don't use tinsel or ribbons. Cats love to chew on stringy things, but they can choke or get stuck.
Use Shatterproof Ornaments: Glass baubles can cut paws or break into pieces. Suggest ornaments made of plastic, felt, or wood.
Secure Electrical Cords: To keep electrical cords safe, use cord protectors or bitter sprays to keep pets from chewing on them.
It's not just the tree that needs to be safe at Christmas; it's the whole house.
Foods that pets should stay away from during the holidays.
Food is a big part of holiday cheer, but it's also one of the main reasons pets get sick.
Chocolate: Chocolate has theobromine in it, which is deadly for dogs.
Grapes & Raisins: Grapes and raisins can make a dog's kidneys fail suddenly.
Onions & Garlic: Garlic and onions hurt red blood cells, which can cause anemia.
Alcohol: Just a few sips of beer or wine can make you throw up, go into a coma, or die.
Fatty Meats & Bones: Fatty meats and bones can cause pancreatitis, choking, or blockages in the digestive system.
Safe Options:
Decorations may look nice, but they can be very dangerous for pets:
Candles: Tails that are too curious can knock them over, which could cause burns or a fire in the house.
String Lights: If you chew on the cords, you could get shocked or die.
Fragile Ornaments: Ornaments that break easily and can be eaten.
Safe Ideas for Decor:
Candles with LED lights that run on batteries
Lights that are mounted on the wall or raised
Ornaments made of wood or fabric
Stockings with weights
Giving pets as gifts is now a worldwide trend. In December 2022, the U.S. spent more than $1 billion on gifts for pets. But not every gift is safe.
When suggesting or putting together gift items, put these first:
Chew-Resistant Toys: Toys that are hard to chew on, like Kong and West Paw, are great for power chewers.
Interactive Puzzle Toys: They help calm you down by keeping your mind busy.
Safe treats for pets: no grains, no additives, and approved by vets.
Soft beds and clothes: Check to see if the materials are hypoallergenic.
Small parts: These can be choking hazards, especially in toys with many parts.
Non-Pet-Safe Materials: Dyes, BPA plastics, and poorly stitched fabric are not safe for pets.
Squeaky Toys with Weak Stitching: Weakly stitched squeaky toys can be eaten by pets, which can lead to emergency surgery.
Tip for traders: When working with OEM pet factories, make sure they have EN71 or ASTM safety certifications. They give international buyers peace of mind about product safety and compliance.
Here is a combined list you can use for packaging, blogs, or point-of-sale materials:
Make a Safe Zone: A quiet room where pets can go when there are a lot of people around.
Cover Your Trash: Bones and wrappers draw in pets that want to know what's inside.
Don't Overdress Your Pet: Not all pets like to dress up, so look for materials that are breathable and adjustable.
Tag and microchip: The more you travel and have guests, the more likely they are to escape.
Watch your outdoor pets: cold weather, antifreeze, and salted roads can kill them.
International Insight: In colder places like Germany and the Midwest of the U.S., pet booties and thermal coats sell out quickly in December. These aren't just extras; they're necessary gear.
The global pet industry is growing quickly and is expected to reach $358 billion by 2027, according to Global Market Insights. This makes safety-first branding even more important. Christmas is a double opportunity for wholesalers, retailers, and people who sell pet products:
1. To make more money by selling seasonal items
2. To make your brand look like a reliable source of information on pet health
You build trust by sharing safety tips, selling only tested products, and making educational content.
This holiday season, let's celebrate with love and safety.
Yes, mostly because of sharp pine needles, poisonous water additives, and fake flocking.
Keep decorations safe, avoid toxic foods, lower stress, and make your home pet-friendly.
Use a sturdy stand, avoid tinsel, use ornaments that won't break, and make sure cords are safe.
Look for toys that are safe to chew on, healthy treats, soft bedding, and puzzles that your pet can play with.
