Answers from the Team
As pet parents ourselves, we’re no strangers to holiday pet hazards. We warn pet parents about chocolate, tinsel, grapes, and to double check ID tags. What about the stuff no one warns you about, the weird question in your head? The ones you Google at 10 p.m. when your cat is hanging from the Christmas tree or your dog just opened a gift that wasn’t his?
Instead of repeating the usual warnings, our team is diving into the fun, weird, and worry-worthy pet questions we hear every year. Whether it’s your pet’s first holiday season or their fifteenth, here’s a few holiday tips outside the norm.
“Can I wrap a present for my pet and put it under the tree?”
Yes! Just maybe skip the bacon.
We asked the room (seriously, we asked our whole treatment area), and the answer was a very loud, very unified yes. Most of our team members wrap gifts for their pets, and they’re pretty sure many of you do too.
But before you toss that bacon-flavored chew under the tree, remember this: your dog has a nose like a bloodhound. (Because they are one.) Even a well-wrapped snack will not go undetected. We’ve seen dogs unwrap every gift under the tree to find the one edible one. And cats? They’ll shred ribbon like it was an Olympic sport.
Pro Tips:
- Choose pet-safe, non-edible gifts (save treats until the big day).
- Avoid ribbon, tulle, and glitter that can tangle or cause blockages.
- Use tissue or craft paper instead of crinkly, scented wrap.
“How do I keep my cat out of the Christmas tree?”
Welcome to the universal holiday struggle. The Christmas tree is your kitten’s Everest, and they will try to summit it.
Some of the best ideas we’ve heard include:
- Skipping tinsel (it’s a shiny, swattable, gut-blocking hazard).
- Leaving the bottom 2–3 feet of your tree ornament-free. Salt dough ornaments are especially toxic to pets, keep those cute keepsakes safe!
- Swapping glass ornaments for soft or plastic ones.
- Creating a moat of discouragement using foil, citrus scents, or even a baby gate.
- Providing a “cat tree detour” nearby to redirect their energy to scratching posts and toys.
- Weighing down your tree can help reduce the risk of it going full “timber” when your cat tries to reach the star or your dog investigates the gifts a little too hard.
- And in one memorable suggestion, “If you only adopt senior cats or round cats, they probably won’t climb” to which can agree senior cats rock.
Many team members’ tips were the same for their big dogs’ happy tails. The holiday tail-wag ornament sweep is real, some suggest just embracing the joy and chaos.
“Why is my dog licking the floor after our guests leave?”
Because Aunt Kathy dropped a meatball. And maybe a piece of pie.
Your guests may not realize they’re feeding your dog, but they are. Crumbs, greasy napkins, bits of food under the table, post-party cleanup is a snack scavenger hunt.
And for some pets, the excitement (or anxiety) of visitors is over the top. Calming pheromone products like Thunderease, used before and during your festivities can help your dog enjoy a less stressful holiday experience. If your dog is licking the floor obsessively, vomiting, or seems off, give us a call.
“My cat disappears during parties, should I be worried?”
Not at all. Your cat is a genius.
Many cats seek solitude when the house is full. Give them a designated “suite of comfort” with their food, water, litter box, and a soft bed behind closed doors.
Set up calming aids ahead of time, our team says: “Feliway, Feliway, Feliway – all day.” Don’t wait until the doorbell rings to make their space feel safe.
“Do pets get seasonal depression like people?”
Kind of, not really, maybe. They definitely notice the shorter days and your drop in energy.
Some dogs get gloomy without their regular long walks. Others (like our thick-coated snow-loving breeds) get sad when the snow melts. And our cats? They’re sunspot connoisseurs.
Try this:
- Move beds or towers to sunny spots.
- Rotate toys and puzzles to prevent boredom.
- Keep windows open for sunlight and “cat TV.”
Feeling a little off this season? Your pet probably is too. Consensus said cuddles and quiet time are perfectly valid holiday plans.
“Do I really need to put a coat on my dog?”
Depends on your dog. Short-haired, senior, or tiny dogs often lose heat quickly.
Does your dog freeze in place like a statue the second you put a coat on them? That’s your cue it’s not the right fit. Some jackets rub, sag, or pinch, and no one wants a wardrobe malfunction in 20°F weather. If your pup protests, check out brands with soft linings and good measurement guides.
Or skip the fashion show altogether and let them sprint out for quick zoomies, then recharge with a cozy blanket burrito back inside. No judgment, just warm vibes.
“What’s the best thing I can do for my pet this season?”
Honestly? Keep it simple:
- Stick to routines when you can.
- Protect them from overstimulation (and overeating).
- Keep festive things pet-safe.
- Give them a place to retreat.
- And don’t be afraid to ask for help, we’re here for you.
Happy Holidays from All of Us at Ralston Vet
We hope your season is filled with cozy naps, quiet snowfalls, and pets that only knock over half the ornaments.
Join us for Pictures with Santa!
Check ralstonvet.com or follow us on Facebook for dates, sign-ups, and more.
We’re grateful to be part of your family’s holiday season. Let’s make it a safe, silly, and snuggly one, together.
