Winter in Galt brings cooler mornings, holiday gatherings, and more time spent indoors with our pets. While this season feels warm and festive for families, it can also introduce a surprising number of hidden household hazards for dogs and cats. From decorative plants and rich foods to cold-weather risks and holiday clutter, winter creates new challenges that pet owners may overlook. At Dry Creek Veterinary Hospital, we see a noticeable rise in winter-related emergencies every December — many of them preventable. This blog will help you recognize, avoid, and manage common hazards so your pet can enjoy the season safely and comfortably.
Toxic Winter Plants & Popular Holiday Greenery
Holiday decorations often include vibrant plants that look beautiful but can be dangerous for pets.
❌ Common Toxic Winter Plants:
- •Lilies — extremely toxic to cats; even small exposure can lead to kidney failure
- •Poinsettias — mild irritant but still unsafe if chewed
- •Holly & Mistletoe — can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and neurological issues
- •Amaryllis bulbs — highly poisonous if ingested
- •Christmas Cactus — some varieties can upset the digestive system
Because winter keeps pets indoors for longer periods, their curiosity increases, making exposure more likely.
✔ Pet-Safe Alternatives:
- •Rosemary trees
- •Holiday ferns
- •Artificial greenery
- •Mint or basil herb pots
When decorating, place unsafe plants out of reach or choose completely pet-safe options.
Winter Foods & Holiday Treats That Are Dangerous for Pets
December brings baking, celebrations, and treats — making kitchens and dining areas a high-risk zone for pets.
❌ Foods to Keep Away:
- •Chocolate of all types
- •Grapes and raisins often found in fruitcake
- •Xylitol (sugar-free gum, candy, baked goods)
- •Alcohol from spilled beverages
- •Garlic, onions, scallions in holiday meals
- •Turkey skin, ham fat, rich gravies leading to pancreatitis
Veterinarians often see a spike in holiday pancreatitis cases, blockages, and toxic ingestions this time of year.
✔ Holiday Tip: Keep food off low tables and remind visitors not to feed your pets without permission.
Medications & Winter Supplements: Easy to Access, Easy to Eat
Cold and flu season means more medications left out in the home.
❌ Dangerous items include:
- •Flu tablets
- •Melatonin or sleep aid gummies
- •Pain relievers
- •Multivitamins
- •Immune boosters
- •Cough syrups
Many pet poisonings happen simply because bottles are left on nightstands or counters.
✔ Always store medications in cabinets or drawers — pets can chew through plastic containers easily.
Winter Cleaning Products, Scents & Household Chemicals
Wintertime often means more cleaning, disinfecting, and cozy scented décor.
❌ Hazardous products:
- •Essential oil diffusers (especially harmful to cats)
- •Scented candles with essential oils
- •Strong floor cleaners
- •Carpet deodorizers
- •Ice melt/snow salt on walkways
Essential oils such as eucalyptus, tea tree, peppermint, and clove are highly toxic to cats and can irritate dogs as well.
✔ Keep pets out of the room during cleaning and wait until surfaces are completely dry.
Holiday Decorations Pets Commonly Swallow
Winter decorations are exciting for pets — especially kittens and young dogs.
❌ Common ingestion hazards:
- •Tinsel
- •Ribbon
- •Ornament hooks
- •Batteries
- •Small ornaments
- •Twinkle light wires
- •Gift wrap scraps
- •Tiny holiday toys
These items can cause choking, digestive blockages, or electrical burns. Tinsel ingestion in cats is one of the most dangerous winter emergencies.
✔ Place tinsel-free trees on sturdy bases and keep breakable or small ornaments higher up.
Winter Heat Sources & Cold-Weather Risks
Even though California winters are mild, pets still face risks from cold snaps and indoor heat sources.
🔥 Heat Risks:
- •Burns from fireplaces
- •Space heaters tipping over
- •Chewing electric heating blanket cords
- •Dehydration from dry indoor air
❄ Cold Weather Risks:
- •Frostbite on ears, paws, and tails
- •Hypothermia during late-night bathroom breaks
- •Salt/ice melt irritation on paws
✔ Use pet-safe balms and dry paws thoroughly after walks.
December Safety Steps for Responsible Pet Owners
- •Secure leftover food immediately
- •Choose pet-safe holiday décor
- •Supervise pets around visitors and gatherings
- •Update microchip + collar ID before holiday travel
- •Save Dry Creek Vet's emergency contact info in your phone
Conclusion: Winter should be a season of comfort and celebration for every member of your family — including your pets. By being aware of hidden hazards and making small safety adjustments, you can significantly reduce the risk of emergencies. If your pet ingests something, seems uncomfortable, or shows sudden symptoms, contact Dry Creek Veterinary Hospital immediately. Your pet's safety is our top priority, especially during the busy holiday season.