🎄 A Holiday Message to Pet Parents: Keeping Christmas Magical (and Safe!) for Your FurBabies
- Tami Kersch
- 15 hours ago
- 3 min read
By Tami Kersch, CEO of FurBabies Pet Products
The holidays are here — twinkling lights, cozy nights, family gatherings, and that unmistakable magic in the air. And if you’re anything like me, Christmas just isn’t complete without our beloved pets right in the middle of it.
Whether it’s your dog proudly carrying around a wrapped present they swear isn’t theirs, or your cat plotting a coordinated attack on the Christmas tree, our pets add their own special holiday sparkle.
But as joyful as the season is, it also comes with a few extra risks for our four-legged family members. So, from my family to yours, here’s how to keep the holidays safe, stress-free, and full of love for your FurBabies.
🐾 1. Christmas Trees: A Pet Magnet!
Let’s be honest — pets see the tree as one of three things:
A climbing gym
A giant scratching post
A new bathroom (thanks, dogs…)
To keep things safe:
Use a sturdy base to prevent tipping
Avoid edible ornaments (popcorn, chocolate, candy canes)
Keep breakable ornaments higher up
Cover the water reservoir — tree water can contain preservatives or bacteria
Anchor the tree if you have a climber
Cats love the challenge. The key is distraction: add a scratching post or cat tree nearby as a “better option.”
🍫 2. Holiday Foods Pets Should Avoid
So many classic Christmas foods are dangerous for pets. Keep these away:
Chocolate (all types, including baking chocolate)
Grapes & raisins (found in Christmas cake, fruitcake, pudding)
Xylitol (common in sugar-free baking, gum, candy)
Onions & garlic (stuffing, gravy, sauces)
Alcohol
Cooked bones
Rich or fatty foods (can trigger pancreatitis)
Safe treats?Lean meats, plain veggies, pet-safe holiday biscuits — or a special holiday blend from FurBabies. 😉
🎁 3. Gifts, Wrapping, and Curious Pets
Ribbon, bows, string, tinsel — they’re beautiful, but pets see toys.
Tinsel can be dangerous if swallowed
Ribbon and string can cause obstructions
Batteries (in new toys) are extremely hazardous if chewed
Keep small gift pieces stored safely
If your pet loves unwrapping gifts, give them a pet-safe present they can tear into. It keeps them included and keeps your real gifts intact!
🕯️ 4. Candles, Décor & Holiday Hazards
Keep candles out of reach of wagging tails and climbing cats
Snow globes may contain antifreeze
Scented oils can irritate sensitive noses
Some holiday plants — poinsettias, mistletoe, holly — can be toxic
Choose pet-safe décor when possible. There are beautiful alternatives today!
A Holiday Message to Pet Parents: Keeping Christmas Magical (and Safe!) for Your fur baby.
🎶 5. Holiday Stress Is Real — for Pets Too
New people, loud gatherings, travel, fireworks, schedule changes — some pets thrive, others struggle.
Signs of holiday stress:
Hiding
Pacing
Whining
Excessive licking
Reduced appetite
Give your pet:
A quiet “safe zone”
Familiar blankets or toys
Calming supplements if needed
Predictable feeding and walking times
A little routine goes a long way.
🐶🐱 6. Include Your Pets in the Celebration
Christmas isn’t just about gifts — it’s about togetherness.
Make the holidays special for your pets by:
Taking extra festive walks
Letting them “help” unwrap presents
Giving holiday-themed toys
Sharing cozy movie nights
Snapping Christmas photos (even if they hate the reindeer antlers)
Our pets make every moment better. They deserve a holiday full of joy, comfort, and connection.
💚 A Christmas Message From My Family to Yours
As the CEO of FurBabies Pet Products — and as a lifelong pet mom — I want to wish you and your loved ones a warm, safe, magical Christmas. Thank you for trusting us to be a part of your pet’s wellness journey. From our family to yours…
Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and give your FurBaby an extra cuddle from me.
— Tami FurBabies Pet Products
“Taking care of your fur baby...naturally.”
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