Holiday Decorating Hacks for Homes with Curious Pets

Holiday Decorating Hacks for Homes with Curious Pets

ByJames Hook

Decorating for the holidays is supposed to be magical.

For pet owners? It can be a nightmare.

Every year, thousands of cats take tumbles from toppled Christmas trees. Dogs get into the light cords and chew them to shreds. Veterinary clinics see a huge surge in emergency appointments during the holidays.

The good news?

It doesn’t have to be this way. With the right mindset, holiday decorating for pet owners can be festive AND safe for pets. It just takes a little foresight and some simple hacks.

And most of these are free or low-cost to implement.

So let’s dive in and learn what you need to know to keep the pets happy.

Inside this guide:

  • Why Holiday Decor Is Dangerous for Pets
  • Tree Safety Strategies That Actually Work
  • Ornament and Lighting Hacks
  • Pet-Safe Plant Alternatives
  • Creating a Pet Retreat Zone

Why Holiday Decor Is Dangerous for Pets

Before we get into the solutions, it helps to consider why the holidays are so potentially dangerous for pets.

Look at it from their perspective…

Suddenly, the house is overflowing with dangling sparkly objects. Twinkly lights. New smells all over the place. It’s a virtual playground, and one they’re bound to explore.

And this is exactly where problems occur.

CNN has done an analysis of CPSC data, and an estimated 16,000 people wind up in the emergency room every year due to holiday decoration injuries. A large proportion of these are caused by pets. Trees are involved in most cases, although other decorations play a role, too.

Cats especially have a penchant for getting into tinsel. Tinsel is like candy for them, and they’ll spend hours playing with it. The problem is when the tinsel is swallowed, it gets stuck in the intestines. This often requires surgery.

Dogs are at risk, too. They chew on cords, and that can cause burns, breathing issues, and even death. Ingesting ornaments is another big hazard.

The ASPCA announced over 451,000 poison control calls were made in 2024. Chocolate, toxic plants, and even holiday foods were the biggest offenders.

Pretty scary when you put it all together.

But there’s no need to panic. These risks are all totally manageable with the right approach.

Tree Safety Strategies That Actually Work

The Christmas tree is ground zero for holiday disasters involving pets.

So what’s the best way to pet-proof it?

Anchor That Tree

If a tree is wobbly, it’s just waiting for disaster. Anchor the tree to the wall and/or ceiling with a fishing line. This invisible support prevents it from toppling over when pets investigate.

Heavy tree bases also make a difference. The more stable the base, the safer the tree.

Create a Barrier

Physical barriers around the tree work wonders. Pet gates or playpens confine animals to a safe distance. Pet owners use decorative fencing to mask the barrier while keeping their pets safe.

You could also put the tree in a room with a door that you keep closed when you can’t supervise.

Skip the Tree Water Additives

Skip the preservatives that go in the tree water. Many of these contain chemicals that are toxic to pets. Just use plain water.

Cover the opening of the tree stand with a tree skirt or aluminium foil so pets can’t access the water.

Consider Tree Placement

Place your tree away from furniture that pets can use as a launching point. Cats love to climb. Eliminating the jump-off point makes the tree harder to reach.

Ornament and Lighting Hacks

Not all ornaments and lights are created equal in pet-friendly homes.

The ones to use are…

Hang Fragile Ornaments High

Keep the breakable and/or sentimental ornaments on the upper branches. Bottom third of the tree is all about shatterproof or fabric ornaments.

It’s one less thing to worry about and protects your cherished decorations.

Ditch the Tinsel

I know, tinsel looks so festive. But it’s also one of the most hazardous decorations for pets.

Cats love it. So much so that they’ll gobble it up. The problem with ingested tinsel is it causes what vets call “linear foreign body” injuries. Emergency surgery is often required to treat.

The alternatives to tinsel are:

  • Wooden bead garlands
  • Paper chains
  • Fabric ribbon (must be secured tightly)
  • Large fabric bows

Secure All Cords

Electrical cords are the chewing magnets for puppies and kittens. Cord protectors slide over cords and hide the wires inside a tough plastic covering. Bitter apple spray on exposed cords also works.

Better yet? Use battery-operated lights whenever possible. No shock risk that way.

Avoid Salt-Dough Ornaments

Salt-dough ornaments are cute. But they contain dangerous levels of salt for pets. Just half a teaspoon of salt can make a small dog sick.

Put these high on the tree, or avoid them altogether in homes with pets.

Pet-Safe Plant Alternatives

Holiday plants are festive and fun. Many are toxic to animals, though.

Plants to Avoid:

  • Mistletoe (causes vomiting, heart problems)
  • Holly (toxic berries and spiny leaves)
  • Lilies (extremely toxic to cats)
  • Amaryllis (toxic bulbs)

Safe Swaps:

The good news is you can swap many of these for pet-safe alternatives.

Artificial versions of these traditional plants are one option. High-quality fakes look realistic and have no toxicity.

Pet-safe live plants include:

  • Christmas cactus
  • African violets
  • Boston ferns
  • Spider plants

When you can’t help but have a real toxic plant, hanging planters keep them out of pets’ reach.

Creating a Pet Retreat Zone

Holiday guests are the pits for some pets. Loud music, unfamiliar people, and constant comings and goings are stressful. Pets may try to escape and create dangerous situations in the process.

Smart pet parents set up a retreat zone for their pets.

Set Up a Quiet Room

Choose a bedroom or office that’s away from the main party area. Stock it with:

  • Fresh water and food
  • Comfortable bedding
  • Favourite toys
  • White noise or calming music

It gives your pets a peaceful escape when things become too much.

Monitor the Doors

Doors coming and going all day creates escape risks. Guests should be advised to keep doors closed when possible. Baby gates near doors provide an extra measure of safety.

Manage the Food Situation

Holiday guests love to feed pets. The problem is many holiday foods are toxic for dogs. Fatty foods cause pancreatitis. Chocolate, grapes, onions, and xylitol are all toxic.

Assign one family member to be in charge of pet treats. This prevents guests from giving scraps that may be harmful.

Wrapping Things Up

Holiday decorating for pet owners doesn’t have to be a nightmare. It just requires some thought and planning.

Simple strategies make all the difference:

  • Secure trees properly and create barriers
  • Skip tinsel and choose pet-safe ornaments
  • Replace toxic plants with safe alternatives
  • Create quiet pet retreat spaces
  • Monitor doors and food during gatherings

These simple adjustments help protect your furry family members without sacrificing the holiday spirit. A little planning goes a long way towards making everyone safe and happy.

Start implementing these hacks now. The holidays should be joyful for all members of the family… Including the four-legged ones.

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