The chaos of Christmas can be tough enough for us to handle, so imagine how it feels for our cats and dogs. Suddenly, the house is full of unfamiliar people, everyone’s excited, lights are flashing and new things are making loud noises.   

It’s enough to make you want to run and hide, which is exactly what pets can do when it’s all too much. Stress and anxiety for our furry friends is only part of the story, however. Deadly leftovers, devastating treefalls and other risks hide around every corner, so here’s a guide to keeping your pets safe around the house this Christmas. 

Christmas trees

Dogs and cats see trees in very different, yet equally undesirable ways. You’ve spent the time and effort to put up a festive work of art under which a bounty of presents will go. Show a cat an ornate Christmas tree, however, and they’ll show you a climbing post; best to not even ask your dog. 

On top of the obvious, Christmas trees can hide other dangers for pets. Chewable electrical wires, tantalising yet inedible tinsel, delicate ornaments that only look playable – the list goes on and on.  

You might think the solution is to go extremely basic, or worse, entirely treeless. Not so: a pet-proof, Santa-ready Tannenbaum is achievable.  

  • If you’re tired of your tree being harassed, try repurposing and decorating existing furniture (already familiar to your pet) for an alternative way for them to vent that’s still able to brighten your home. 
  • If they’re still climbing the walls (and branches), make sure you’re setting aside their usual time for attention and exercise so they don’t get bored and seek other sources of entertainment – like your decorations.
  • Heart set on a full-size tree? We can’t blame you, but if you’re going that route, secure the base. Attach your tree firmly to a wall or ceiling so your pet can’t unleash their inner lumberjack and knock it over.  
  • Consider fabric ornaments with minimal strings and paper tinsel. They look just as festive but are much safer to play with, and if accidentally eaten won’t cost you a mint at the vet. 

Christmas food

Your pet’s ability to beg for scraps goes into overdrive at Christmas, when food is constant and leftovers are plenty. Be warned: not all of it is suitable for dogs and cats, and as tempting as it can be to share the culinary festivities with your furry friend, it’s best not to go there. 

And don’t be swayed by the pleading! Many Christmas foods are toxic to pets: chocolate, sultanas, macadamia nuts, onions and mince pies. Cooked bones are a no-no all year around. Keep your pets safe by securely disposing of your leftovers and any keeping harmful foods out of reach. 

And don’t just think about treats on tables, but wrapped under the tree as well. To treat ingestion of toxins, PetSure insurance data shows the average cost was around $700 in 2024^. 

The big day

There’s often a lot going on when Christmas Day rolls around, and your pet won’t like all of it. The rush of strange visitors can be overwhelming, so make sure your pet has a quiet, comfortable retreat in which they can relax, and maintain their usual routines for meals, walks and bedtime. Keep doors shut and perimeters secure to prevent any escape attempts. It may still happen, so ensure your pet’s microchip details are up to date and they’re wearing a collar and tag with a contact number.

Avoid dressing them up in Christmas costumes, which can be restrictive and uncomfortable, especially on hot days. Instead, include your pet in the festivities with a simple Christmas collar or bandana. 

Speaking of the heat, pets need constant hydration and plenty of shade in the event of a scorching Christmas Day. Supervise them closely if they join you for a swim, rinse off sand, saltwater or chlorine to avoid irritation, and dry them thoroughly to avoid skin and ear infections. If you’re off to the beach, be aware that sand can reach up to 60 degrees on a hot day and can easily burn paws at that temperature. If it’s too hot for your feet, it’s too hot for theirs. 

Summer gives pets enough to worry about without the added stress of Christmas risks. By taking a few simple steps around the house, you can make sure your friends from the animal kingdom are just as happy as you this festive season and most importantly, that they’re a part of the family at a time when it matters most of all. 

^Based on 2024 PetSure (Australia) Pty Ltd (‘PetSure’) claims data as at Dec 2025. Amount claimed per policy over a 12-month period. Reimbursement for these claims under a pet insurance policy would be subject to limits,  benefit percentage, applicable waiting periods and any applicable excess. Cover is subject to the policy terms and conditions.    

Pet insurance can help by covering a portion of the eligible vet bill if the unexpected happens. Because it is difficult to predict the costs of veterinary care, it can help to have measures in place to help prepare for the unexpected. Check out our partner network and explore our policy tools to find a pet insurance policy.

Not all conditions or items are covered by Pet Insurance. Refer to the applicable Product Disclosure Statement for information about coverage and exclusions.

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