Holiday Pet Safety Tips (Because They Love the Season Too!)
Michael Gonzalez
Broker/Owner
Broker/Owner
Keep Your Furry Family Members Safe This Festive Season
The holidays are a magical time in the Lowcountry and Savannah—twinkling lights downtown, festive treats, bustling gatherings, and beautifully decorated homes. But while we’re soaking up the joy of the season, our pets are experiencing all the excitement too…and sometimes a little too closely.
From tempting treats to holiday décor, the festive season can bring unexpected hazards for curious pets. Here’s how to keep your dogs and cats safe, happy, and stress-free all season long.
🎄 1. Watch Out for Hazardous Holiday Plants
Some popular holiday plants are toxic to pets, including:
Poinsettias
Holly
Mistletoe
Lilies
If you decorate with greenery, opt for pet-safe alternatives like faux versions or nontoxic plants such as Christmas cactus.
In Savannah’s mild climate, many real plants remain fresher longer—which makes them even more tempting to pets.
✨ 2. Keep Holiday Décor Pet-Safe
Pets love shiny things, but not everything loves them back.
Secure your Christmas tree so energetic pups and curious cats don’t topple it.
Keep ornaments, especially glass or breakable ones, on higher branches.
Hide or tape down electrical cords to prevent chewing.
Avoid tinsel—cats often swallow it, leading to dangerous blockages.
Whether your home is coastal-casual in Bluffton or historic in Ardsley Park, a tidy, pet-proof tree helps everyone enjoy a safer season.
🍗 3. Holiday Food Can Be a Danger Zone
From Thanksgiving feasts to Christmas dinners, holiday foods can tempt even the best-behaved pets.
Keep them away from:
Chocolate and xylitol (found in sugar-free treats)
Grapes and raisins
Onions and garlic
Rich, fatty foods (hello, Lowcountry holiday casseroles!)
Bones of any kind
Instead, offer pet-friendly treats—maybe even a special holiday biscuit.
🎁 4. Choose Pet-Safe Gifts
If Santa is bringing your pet a stocking (because of course he is), make sure:
Toys are the right size (to prevent choking).
Stuffing or squeakers can’t be easily ripped out.
Chews are safe for your pet’s age and size.
Treats don’t contain harmful sweeteners or additives.
Savannah and Hilton Head have fantastic local pet boutiques—great spots to pick up safe, high-quality goodies.
🕯️ 5. Be Careful with Candles and Scents
Holiday ambiance is everything, but watch out:
Candles should be placed out of reach to avoid burned whiskers or wagging tails knocking them over.
Some essential oils in diffusers—like pine, peppermint, and cinnamon—are toxic to pets.
Choose pet-safe alternatives or keep fragrances mild.
🎶 6. Holiday Stress Is Real—Even for Pets
Parties, visitors, travel, and changes in routine can overwhelm pets.
Help them stay calm by:
Creating a quiet retreat space
Keeping feeding & walk schedules as normal as possible
Using white noise or calming music
Offering extra patience and reassurance
During Savannah’s lively holiday events or Lowcountry family gatherings, a little extra comfort goes a long way.
🚗 7. Traveling? Plan Ahead
Whether you're driving to Charleston or visiting family across the South:
Use a secure carrier or seatbelt harness.
Bring familiar toys or blankets.
Keep pets hydrated and cool—not overheated in the car.
Make sure they’re microchipped and wearing updated ID tags.
Holiday travel can be chaotic; pet prep helps ensure smooth sailing.
❄️ 8. Protect Pets from Winter Weather
The Lowcountry’s winter is mild, but cold snaps still happen.
Make sure pets:
Don’t stay outside too long on chilly, wet days
Have warm bedding inside
Avoid walking on frozen or sharp oyster shells that appear after tides
Even subtle weather changes can affect sensitive pets.
