7 Tips On How To Keep Your Pet Safe (And Still Have Fun!) This Christmas

Christmas is full of joy for us, but for pets it can bring new noises, tempting decorations, big gatherings and lots of unfamiliar smells. With a few simple steps, you can keep your furry family members safe, calm and happy — while still enjoying the fun of the festive season.

Here are practical ways to help your pet have a safe and enjoyable Christmas.

1. Keep Decorations Out of Reach

Sparkly decorations are almost impossible for pets to ignore. Tinsel, ribbons, ornaments, dangling lights and wrapping paper can be chewed or swallowed, leading to choking or intestinal blockages. Cats may see tinsel as a toy, and dogs may treat baubles like tennis balls.

It’s best for you to hang fragile ornaments higher on the tree, secure your tree to avoid tipping, and pack away wrapping materials quickly after gifts are opened.

2. Be Careful With Toxic Christmas Plants

Many festive plants look beautiful but can be dangerous for pets if eaten. Avoid or keep out of reach holly, poinsettias, lilies, mistletoe, etc. Even small amounts can lead to stomach upset or more serious reactions. Contact your vet immediately if you suspect ingestion.

3. Keep Human Food Safely Away From Pets

Christmas food smells incredible and pets agree. But many popular holiday foods are unsafe or toxic. It’s best to keep dogs and cats away from the following:

• Chocolate

• Christmas pudding, raisins, grapes

• Cooked bones

• Gravy, marinades, stuffing

• Onions, garlic, chives

• Nuts (especially macadamias)

• Xylitol in sugar-free lollies

If you want to include your pet in the festivities, offer a safe alternative. Freeze-dried Christmas Roast Dinner and Turkey from The Paw Grocer make a great, clean substitute for table scraps and won’t upset their tummy during the busy season.

4. Watch Out for Heat and Sun Exposure

Christmas in Australia often means hot weather, and pets overheat quickly. Heatstroke can happen silently and fast. To keep them safe:

• Never leave pets in the car

• Ensure they have shade and cool water

• Walk dogs early or late in the day

• Monitor panting, drooling or lethargy

If it feels too hot for you, it’s too hot for them.

5. Reduce Fire Hazards: Candles, Diffusers and Scents

Scented candles and essential oil diffusers are popular at Christmas but can be hazardous. Many essential oils are toxic to pets, especially cats, and birds are extremely sensitive to fumes.

If you use scents, keep them well away from pets, ventilate the space, and never leave candles burning unattended.

6. Maintain Your Pet’s Normal Routine (Even When Life Gets Busy)

Between gatherings, late-night events and festive chaos, routines can easily slip — but keeping your pet’s normal schedule steady helps them stay calm.

Try to keep meals, toilet breaks, naps and walks close to their usual times. This predictability gives pets a sense of stability amid the excitement.

This is also a great time to use The Paw Grocer treats, especially novel proteins as small rewards to support calm behaviour around guests or kids. A few tiny freeze-dried pieces can help reinforce polite greetings or quiet settling on their bed during busy moments.

7. Prepare Your Pet for Guests and Holiday Noise

More people in the house means more energy, more smells and sometimes more stress for pets. Help them cope by:

• giving them a walk or play session beforehand

• setting up a “quiet zone” where they can retreat

• keeping front gates and doors secure

• disposing of wrapping paper and food scraps quickly

How The Paw Grocer Fits Into a Safe Christmas

Christmas is full of tempting foods and decorations that aren’t pet-friendly, but your dog or cat can still join the fun safely. Using clean, single-ingredient treats during the season helps:

• Avoid dangerous table scraps

• Reinforce calm behaviour around guests

• Keep routines consistent

• Support sensitive tummies during busy days

Our freeze-dried treats — made from 100% human-grade Australian meat are a simple, safe way to share the festive joy with your pet without risking their health.

Whether it’s a reward for good manners, a topper for enrichment time, or a special stocking stuffer, The Paw Grocer’s Christmas treats make celebrations safer and more enjoyable for your four-legged family member.