Tinsel, Treats and Trouble: The Irish Blue Cross Urges Irish Families to Pet-Proof Christmas
11/12/2025
We are urging pet owners across Ireland to stay alert this Christmas, as the festive season brings a range of hidden hazards for cats and dogs. While the holidays are a magical time for families, busy homes, sparkling decorations, and indulgent Christmas foods can create dangerous situations for pets, if owners are not prepared. Food is a major source of danger at this time of year. Homes are filled with festive treats, many of which are toxic to animals. While chocolate is widely known to be poisonous to pets, other Christmas staples, such as grapes, raisins, garlic, alcohol, and rich, fatty foods, can be equally harmful. Dr Laura Mock Head of Veterinary Services at The Irish Blue Cross explains: “We see a spike in food-related emergencies every Christmas. It only takes a second for a pet to grab something off a low table, or to be slipped a treat by a well-meaning guest. Even small amounts of certain foods, like mince pies for example, can result in serious illness, so prevention is crucial.” Christmas trees can also pose a risk with cats often viewing them as irresistible climbing frames, while dogs may be tempted to chew or swallow ornaments. Dr Ciara Sweeney, Veterinary Surgeon at The Irish Blue Cross continues: “It’s easy to laugh when a cat scampers up the tree or a dog runs off with a bauble, but the reality is that these situations can lead to serious accidents. Trees can topple over, causing injury, and decorations can cause choking or intestinal blockages, if ingested. It’s vital to keep anything fragile, sharp, or small, well out of reach.” We are also urging the public to avoid purchasing pets as Christmas gifts due to the risk of funding unscrupulous puppy farmers. Chris Conneely, CEO at The Irish Blue Cross says: “Busy homes at Christmas, are not the right environment for a new pet. The noise, the visitors, and the general chaos make it extremely difficult to begin training and bonding. So, if you’re considering adding a pet to your family, please wait until the new year, when the household is calmer and you have time to properly prepare. We strongly advise against sourcing pets online. Often sellers create a façade of being responsible, caring breeders but nothing could be further from the truth. There is a huge risk of poor welfare standards, and this can have a costly financial and emotional impact on pet owners.” We are also encouraging all pet owners to take time to pet-proof their homes and remain vigilant about the many holiday temptations that can impact animal safety. With a little extra awareness, families can ensure that their pets enjoy a safe and happy Christmas alongside them. For more information on pet safety and responsible pet ownership, please see the Pet Advice section of our website.
