Christmas & New Year Safety – A Vet’s Guide to a Happy Holiday Season

From Christmas crackers to New Year fireworks  –  here’s how to keep your pets healthy, happy, and stress-free. With unfamiliar guests, tempting smells, loud noises, and changes to their routine, the festive season can feel a little chaotic for pets. It just takes a little planning so your dog or cat enjoy a safe and peaceful holiday.

Festive food and drink hazards

What’s tasty to us can be toxic to pets. Keep food and drink well out of reach, and ask guests not to sneak treats under the table  –  no matter how adorable those eyes are and that begging face!

Watch out for:

• Chocolate

• Grapes, raisins, mince pies

• Stuffing, onions, garlic and leeks

• Rich, fatty meats

• Alcohol (even small sips)

  
  

Fireworks, parties and unfamiliar faces

Between noisy New Year celebrations and busy holiday gatherings, it’s easy for pets to become anxious. Common signs of stress include hiding, pacing, shaking, or a change in appetite. Try following these steps:

• Set up a quiet “safe space” with their bed, toys, and water

• Close curtains and keep lights low during fireworks

• Play calming music or white noise to help soothe them

• Give them the option to retreat and don’t force interactions

  
  

Cold weather and frosty walks

Short days and frosty mornings bring a few extra things to think about:

• Use reflective collars and leads for evening walks

• Dry off wet fur and paws to avoid chills

• Keep senior pets, small breeds, or short-haired dogs cosy indoors

• Watch for and clean up antifreeze spills – it’s toxic and unfortunately has a smell and taste that is attractive to animals

Keep in mind: outdoor cats may want to spend more time inside  –  make sure they have warm, safe spots to rest and keep their water topped up so they don't dehydrate from indoor heating.

Need advice?

If your pet seems unusually tired, stops eating, appears anxious, or may have eaten something they shouldn’t  –  don’t wait. Call us on 01689477747 for advice or book a winter wellbeing check to keep your pet in top shape for the festive season.

Christmas hours

We will be closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. Get in now to book a pre-Christmas health check to make sure your dog’s ready for a safe and stress-free holiday.

Quick Holiday Safety Checklist:

• Keep festive food out of reach

• Provide a safe, quiet space during parties

• Use reflective gear for dark walks

• Watch for signs of stress or illness