Greenhill’s Holiday Safety Tips for Pets

With holiday festivities approaching, Greenhill Humane Society offers suggestions to ensure that everyone’s animal companions enjoy celebrations safely.

Greenhill’s Holiday Safety Tips include:

• If you celebrate with a tree, anchor it securely so it doesn’t tip and fall. This prevents possible injury to your pet and the spilling of tree water, which may contain fertilizers that can cause an upset stomach.
• Know which holiday plants are poisonous. Holly, when ingested, can cause pets to suffer nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Mistletoe can cause gastrointestinal upset and cardiovascular problems. And many varieties of lilies can cause kidney failure in cats if ingested. Opt for just-as-jolly artificial plants made from silk or plastic or choose a pet-safe bouquet.
• Kitties may love tinsel, but it doesn’t love them. If ingested, it may lead to an obstructed digestive tract, severe vomiting, dehydration, and possible surgery. It’s ideal to find other items to decorate like paper chains that are safe for cats and other small companion animals.
• Don’t leave lit candles unattended. Pets may burn themselves or cause a fire if they knock candles over.
• Keep wires, batteries and glass or plastic ornaments out of paws’ reach. A wire can deliver a potentially lethal electrical shock, and a punctured battery can cause burns to the mouth and esophagus, while shards of breakable ornaments can damage your pet’s mouth and digestive tract.
• Be mindful when sweets and cocktails are out. As tasty a treat may be for you, unattended plates, beverages, and garbage may lead to your pet getting into things they shouldn’t.
• Pets love to enjoy treats too! Stock their stockings with chew toys, Kongs filled with healthy foods, new balls, or a stuffed catnip toy.
• Be aware of food that is poisonous to pets. These include chocolate, raisins, grapes, and onions, among others.
• Make sure medications are secure if you have guests staying over for the holidays so no curious pets get into it.
• Our animals’ ears are sensitive. Noisy items like poppers and fireworks can scare pets and cause possible damage to their ears.

To learn more about Greenhill Humane Society, visit www.green-hill.org.

About Greenhill Humane Society
Greenhill Humane Society has been caring for animals in Lane County since 1944. It is a private, non-profit organization that relies on charitable donations. Greenhill is located at 88530 Green Hill Road in Eugene. We envision a world in which all animals are treated with compassion and respect. In 2025, Greenhill assisted over 5,000 animals through life-saving programs. Greenhill dogs, cats, and rabbits are spayed or neutered prior to adoption, receive recommended vaccinations, and are microchipped. To learn more visit www.green-hill.org and follow on Facebook, Instagram, X, and TikTok.