The holidays bring joy, celebration, and plenty of opportunities for your pets to get into mischief. Each year, veterinary emergency hospitals across Pensacola treat dogs and cats for preventable holiday-related incidents, from ingesting decorations to eating toxic foods and escaping during festive gatherings.

Even though Florida’s Gulf Coast stays warmer than other parts of the country, seasonal risks are still present. With a little preparation, you can help ensure your pet enjoys a safe and stress-free holiday season.

1. Keep Holiday Foods Out of Reach

Holiday meals and treats are tempting for pets, but many festive foods can be dangerous.

Foods to Avoid Feeding Pets:

• Chocolate (especially dark or baking chocolate)

• Sugar-free candies or gum with xylitol

• Grapes and raisins

• Onions, garlic, scallions, and chives

• Alcohol

• Fatty table scraps like ham, turkey skin, or gravy

Even small amounts of these foods can cause vomiting, pancreatitis, or toxic reactions. If your pet eats something suspicious, contact your veterinarian or an emergency hospital immediately.

2. Watch Out for Holiday Plants

Florida homes are full of festive greenery during the holidays, but some plants can be harmful.

• Poinsettias: Mild stomach upset if chewed.

• Holly & Mistletoe: More toxic, can cause vomiting, diarrhea, or heart issues.

• Lilies: Extremely dangerous for cats; even pollen exposure can cause kidney failure.

Keep risky plants well out of reach or choose pet-safe alternatives.

3. Decorate With Pets in Mind

Your holiday décor may look beautiful, but it can also be irresistible to curious cats and dogs.

Pet-Safe Decoration Tips:

• Skip tinsel, especially in homes with cats.

• Place fragile ornaments higher on the tree.

• Secure your Christmas tree to prevent tipping.

• Hide or cover electrical cords to prevent chewing.

• Store wrapping ribbons, string, and bows after gifts are opened.

Many emergency visits in December involve swallowed foreign objects, especially shiny items pets find on the floor.

4. Manage Stress and Guests

In warm-weather holiday cities like Pensacola, pets may feel overwhelmed during parties and family gatherings.

Help your pet stay calm by:

• Providing a quiet guest-free space with their bed and toys

• Sticking to feeding and walk routines

• Using a pheromone diffuser or spray

• Reminding guests not to feed table scraps

Keeping doors closed is especially important, pets can slip out quickly when guests come and go.

5. Warm Weather = Outdoor Hazards

Unlike colder states, Pensacola’s mild winter weather means pets spend more time outside during the holidays. That brings its own risks:

• Holiday travelers may set off fireworks, causing noise anxiety or escape attempts.

• Increased traffic during holiday events

  means more dangers for loose pets.

• More outdoor gatherings, like cookouts and beach get-togethers, lead to greater access to food, trash, and dropped items.

Make sure pets are microchipped and wearing up-to-date ID tags in case they become startled and run off.

6. Traveling With Pets for the Holidays

Pensacola’s warm climate attracts winter travelers, and many families hit the road or the airport.

Travel safety essentials:

• Use a secure carrier or seatbelt harness

• Bring medications, food, and comfort items

• Never leave pets in parked vehicles, even in mild weather, temperatures can rise quickly

• Research emergency veterinary hospitals near your destination

A little planning can make holiday travel smooth and stress-free.

7. Fireworks & New Year’s Eve Precautions

The Gulf Coast celebrates big, and pets are often frightened by fireworks.

Help keep pets safe:

• Keep pets indoors during peak fireworks hours

• Use calming wraps, pheromones, or vet-prescribed anxiety support

• Set up a comfortable “safe room” with white noise

• Double-check fences and gates for security

Noise anxiety is one of the most common reasons pets escape during the holidays.

When to Seek Pet Emergency Care

Visit an emergency veterinarian if your pet experiences:

• Persistent vomiting or diarrhea

• Difficulty breathing

• Ingestion of toxic food, plants, or decorations

• Foreign object ingestion (ribbon, tinsel, toys, etc.)

• Trauma or injuries

• Seizures or collapse

• Sudden behavior changes or severe anxiety

Your Pensacola Veterinary Emergency Referral Center (VERC) is here for you whenever you need urgent, compassionate care.

Happy Holidays From Our Team!

We wish you and your pets a safe, joyful, and stress-free holiday season. With a few simple precautions, your furry family members can enjoy the festivities right alongside you.