Member Log In

Pets for Patriots

Companion pet adoption for United States military veterans and service members

  • Adopt a pet
    • How it works
    • Veteran benefits
    • Program availability
    • Proof of service
    • Eligible pets
    • Pre-qual application
  • Be a veterinary partner
    • How it works
    • Benefits
    • Criteria & eligibility
    • Application
  • Be a shelter partner
    • How it works
    • Benefits
    • Eligible pets
    • Criteria & eligibility
    • Application
  • Donate Now
    • Donate online
    • Ways to give
    • Spread the word
  • More
    • About us
      • Vision
      • Mission
      • Our team
      • Board of Directors
      • Financial accountability
      • Year in review
      • Program availability
    • Making an impact
      • Forget Me Not
      • The Wet Nose Blog
      • Partner News
      • Donor News
      • Home at last
      • Welcome Home
    • Friends & Partners
      • Veterinarian partners
      • Shelter partners
      • Sponsors
      • Banfield
      • VIP Petcare
      • Community partners
    • Resources
      • Donor FAQ
      • Veteran FAQ
      • Shelter FAQ
      • Veterinarian FAQ
      • Other resources
    • Connect with us
      • In the news
      • Free wallpaper
      • Contact us
Wet Nose Blog
Home › Extra › How to keep pets safe during the winter holidays

How to keep pets safe during the winter holidays

December 24, 2013Extra, Pet training & health

How to keep pets safe during the winter holidays

It is critical for all pet guardians to take precautions to keep their pets safe during the winter holidays. While we are all busy ringing in good cheer and the New Year, pets can have access to potentially dangerous food and holiday decor. Dogs and cats are easily stressed by changes in their routine, environment, or unfamiliar guests who may not know how to interact with them.

Family and guests and pets – oh, my!

Holidays can be a particularly stressful time for dogs and cats: changes in their routine, more and often unfamiliar people around the house, or even a new environment if you are traveling from home and taking your pet along. These basic tips can help reduce your pet’s stress level – and yours as well:

  • Remind your pet about manners: whether you are the visitor or the host, take time a few weeks or even days before a holiday gathering to help your pet brush up on his basic manners, such as no table begging, jumping on people or stealing food from around the house. If your pet will not be able to help himself, find a safe, quiet room where he can relax during the festivities. Let other guests know that this room is off limits.
  • Treat your pet: make sure you are not the only one having a good time. Pick up a special treat that you know your pet loves and that can occupy her during the festivities. Not only will she enjoy that wonderful bone or chew toy, but busying herself with it will help reduce her stress.
  • Walk it off: exercise is a great, natural stress reliever for both you and your pet. Unless the weather is inclement or dangerous, there is never a bad time to grab the leash and go for a nice walk.
  • “Train” your guests: make sure visitors to your home know and abide by your pet’s rules, such as no table food, not leaving the door open, etc. This will help your pet avoid behaviors that are generally unwanted. And always make sure that interactions between small children and your pets are supervised. Not all children are familiar with good pet etiquette, and animals who are stressed may act out.
From ‘ho ho ho’ to ‘no no no:’ indoor holiday threats
  • Baking chocolate: a single ounce of baking chocolate – known as baker’s chocolate – can be lethal to a small dog or cat. While all chocolate is dangerous to your pets, baking chocolate contains a higher concentration of a stimulant that dogs and cats are unable to digest. Never leave this or any other chocolate – even boxed or wrapped – within your pet’s reach. Christmas dog
  • Christmas tree: a few simple changes to how you adorn your tree can make this holiday tradition safer for your pet:
    • Tinsel and ornaments: pretty to look at, but not so pretty if your pet eats these decorations from your Christmas tree. Either can block their intestines, a condition usually requiring surgery.
    • Tree lights: go ahead and light the tree, but not the lower branches or those reachable by your pet. Potential hazards include burning, tangling, strangulation, or shock if your pet chews through the wire.
    • Pine needles: if you have a live tree, clear the area continually of pine needles, which can puncture your pet’s intestines if swallowed.
    • Tree water: poisonous to pets because it likely contains pesticides, fertilizers and other harmful agents. Use a covered tree water dish and empty it frequently.
  • Holly, mistletoe, poinsettia and other holiday plants: all are poisonous to dogs and cats; keep them far out of reach. Common symptoms associated with toxic plant ingestion are vomiting, diarrhea and other gastrointestinal distress. Ingestion of certain berries can cause seizures, coma and can be fatal.
  • Burning candles: lit candles should always be placed far from pets and children, and should be fully extinguished before you leave the house or retire for the evening.
  • Gift wrapping: paper, string, cloth, tape, ribbon, etc., can all cause intestinal blockage if your pet eats them. Keep these items far away from your dog or cat. The same goes for scissors, box cutters, and other sharp utensils.
More information from the Pet Poison Helpline
  • General guide to pet safety, including signs of poisoning
  • Alphabetical list of poisons, including environmentals, foods and household items
  • Emergency actions if you suspect your pet is poisoned

For live help 24/7, call the Animal Poison Control Center at 800-213-6680

Outdoor winter safety

Just because your pet has a fur coat does not mean that he can withstand any weather. Just like people, animals are susceptible to dehydration and frostbite. Your dog’s or cat’s particular tolerance for winter weather will depend on a variety of factors, including breed, age, size, medications, and general health.

Read our article on how to keep your pet safe in winter weather for more on the following quick tips:

  • Do not leave your pet outside unattended for any length of time
  • Provide shelter for “outdoor” pets that is warm and has a supply of fresh, unfrozen water
  • Ask your veterinarian about increasing your pet’s caloric intake slightly during the winter months
  • Check under the hood before you start your car; cats are notorious for camping out in car engines to stay warm

Have a safe and happy holiday from the pack at Pets for Patriots!

PreviousNext

Join the Conversation

  • Cat tales
  • Dog tales
  • Hope for a home
  • Mental health
  • Extra
  • Pet training & health
  • Donor News


Give with Confidence

logo logo logo logo
Make a donation today
email-icon

Did you enjoy this story?
Don’t miss the next one.

Sign up for our newsletter and get stories like these directly in your inbox.


The Dodo and GEICO honor Pets for Patriots adoptions by sharing their heartwarming tales

WATCH THE VIDEOS

Petco Foundation

PetMeds Logo 300x250

Shop 1800PetMeds for all of your pet’s health needs and we’ll get 10% of your purchase!

Shop Bissell Today!

Shop BISSELL for your home cleaning needs and they will donate 10% of your purchase to us!

Join the Conversation

Stay Connected

Join the conversation, read recent adoption stories, view featured pets needing new homes and more.

Twitter

@petsforpatriots

Follow Us

Instagram

@petsforpatriots

Friday funny: sign we saw on a recent walk with ou Friday funny: sign we saw on a recent walk with our pup...
Can we please take a moment to behold Smokey's spe Can we please take a moment to behold Smokey's spectacular ears? 

Okay...moment over! 🤣 This hunky hound just hit the adoption jackpot when Annette and her husband - both Air Force veterans - added this 3+ year-old fella to their family. We thank these high-flying patriots for their service and for opening their hearts and home to this magnificent beast!

#staffysaturday #dontbullymybreed #loveabull #airforceveteran #militaryfamily #petsforpatriots
When you've got a great name like Jean-Paul, you j When you've got a great name like Jean-Paul, you just have to adopt a dog with a double name, too...like Russia Roo!

This sweet shepherd mix and her Army veteran dad became the 148th match through our partners @pgc_pets4us - which waives adoption fees for veterans in our program...woot!

#armystrong #armyveteran #shepherdsofinstagram #adoptashelterdog #adoptashelterpet #petsforpatriots
Henley was in a Virginia animal shelter until one Henley was in a Virginia animal shelter until one day when the coy cat chose a dual Navy couple as his own. In time he would prove his mettle as a “little therapy cat.”

Click the link in our bio to read this purr-fect adoption tale, and thanks to our partners @chesapeakehumane for helping us make it all happen!

#adoptasheltercat #navycouple #iserved #therapycat #petsforpatriots
Mila is mesmerizing!! This stunning 3 year-old mi Mila is mesmerizing!!

This stunning 3 year-old mix just set sail with Jared, who for more than 10 years and counting serves in the Navy. The pair were matched through our partners @kitsaphumanesociety which offers veterans in our program 50% off adoption fees. Anchors aweigh!

#navy #adoptashelterdog #kitsaphumanesociety #petsforpatriots #muttsrule
Megan serves in the Navy and just threw a lifeline Megan serves in the Navy and just threw a lifeline (and a cone!) to Little Man, a stunning adult cat she met through our partners @vbspca. Megan received a 25% adoption fee discount and has access to their low-cost veterinary clinic without proof of income - just a couple of the benefits of adopting through our partnership.

All we know is that this is one very lucky black cat! Smooth sailing, Megan and Little Man!

#blackcat #adoptasheltercat #femaleveteran #navyveteran #petsforpatriots
Last week we shared that Joan, Army veteran, bid h Last week we shared that Joan, Army veteran, bid her senior Pittie rescue and @petsforpatriots alum Jerry a peaceful trip over the Rainbow Bridge. 🌈

Joan knew she needed to dust herself off and save another 4-legged soul, so earlier this week she rescued 5 year-old Smokey, a stunning Cane Corso she met through our partners Baltimore County Animal Services, which gives veterans we serve 50% off adoption fees.

We're so honored that many veterans, like Joan, are repeat adopters through our program - embracing our mission to save the most vulnerable shelter animals while benefiting from their loyalty and love. ❤️

#rainbowbridge🌈 #adoptashelterdog #armystrong #petsforpatriots
Pet adoption was not in Linda’s plans until one Pet adoption was not in Linda’s plans until one day when the lonely Marine met a shelter cat who turned her life around.

“I never knew one could love an animal so deeply. She brings so much happiness to my life."

Click the link in our bio to read this sweet tale, and thanks to @vbspca for another purr-fect match together!

#adoptasheltercat #loneliness #femaleveteran #marinecorps #beapetshero #petsforpatriots #youarenotalone
Cornelia was born and raised in France and her hus Cornelia was born and raised in France and her husband Ed in Belgium. Yet both served their adopted nation - Ed in the Navy and Cornelia in the Army. The pair met in New Jersey and married on Veterans Day more than 20 years ago.

These days the couple lives in an assisted living facility and, sadly, Ed's health is such that he's not always able to interact with Cornelia. She grew lonely and wanted nothing more than a little dog to love.

After months of searching, mission accomplished! Thanks to our partners @ywacpets for going the extra mile to help Cornelia find the perfect match:

"She's exactly what I needed and wanted.  She's 9 pounds of love.  She kisses me on the mouth and then turns on her back placing her neck over my mouth so I can kiss her and tell her I love her.  She sleeps with me and is being spoiled rotten by all the employees at the facility, directors on down." ~ Cornelia, US Army veteran ❤️

#armystrong #femaleveteran #adoptashelterpet #loverescuedme #petsforpatriots
Follow Us

© 2023 Pets for Patriots, Inc. | Privacy policy | Terms of use | Contact us

email-icon

Let’s keep in touch.

Sign up for our newsletter to get recent adoption stories, featured pets needing new homes and more directly in your inbox.

email-icon

Let’s keep in touch.

Sign up for our newsletter to get recent adoption stories, featured pets needing new homes and more directly in your inbox.

email-icon

Let’s keep in touch.

Sign up for our newsletter to get recent adoption stories, featured pets needing new homes and more directly in your inbox.