Holiday Season with Your Pets: Safety Tips, Gift Ideas, and Ways to Keep Them Calm
By Scout & Company Companion Pet Care
The holidays have a way of arriving in a blur — twinkle lights, cozy evenings, and that long-awaited cool-down. Scout's a little perkier this time of year, and we love finding small ways to make the season calm, cozy, and pet-friendly for everyone. Whether you're hosting guests, traveling, or just settling in for a quiet holiday at home, here are a few things we keep in mind to make sure Scout enjoys the season as much as we do.
Cozy Pet Traditions
One of the best parts of the holidays is sharing simple traditions. Scout loves being included wherever she can, from walks after big meals to unwrapping a toy on Christmas morning. Once the guests are gone, we always make time to unwind. A quiet night in with Scout curled up on the couch watching Elf for the 100th time is easily one of my favorite parts of the season.
Fall in New Orleans looks good on Scout.
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If you like to make special treats for your pets, the holidays are a great time to put a seasonal spin on them. Scout's favorites usually involve pumpkin and plain Greek yogurt, simple ingredients that smell like fall. Every pet is different, so it's always best to double-check ingredients and tailor any recipes to your pet's own needs.
Gift Ideas for Pets
Feeling festive? There's no shortage of thoughtful ways to spoil the pets who make life better. You can also browse our Scout's Favorite Things journal entries for a few of Scout's personal picks.
For dogs:
• Enrichment toys like snuffle mats, treat dispensing puzzles, and puzzle feeders
• Cozy beds, sweaters, or soft blankets for chilly mornings
• Travel accessories like seat belt clips or portable bowls
• Treats
For cats:
• Scratching posts, catnip toys, feather wands, or window hammocks
• Cat trees or collapsible tunnels
• The SnugglyCat Ripple Rug Cat Activity Play Mat (click here) is one I love recommending — cats who like to scratch, dig, or burrow tend to become completely obsessed with it
And for the pet parents in your life: a gift card to a local pet business is always a thoughtful choice.
Holiday Photo Fun
If you’re planning a few festive pet photos this season, keep it simple and stress-free.
• Use natural light whenever possible; it brings out the true color and texture of your pet’s coat and keeps their eyes from looking harsh or reflective.
• Keep photo sessions short and reward your pet often.
• Let them move around naturally rather than forcing posed shots. The candid moments are usually the best ones.
Scout usually loses interest after a few photos, so I’ve learned to work fast and keep treats close. Her best photos are almost always the ones I didn’t plan.
Comfort & Routine During the Holidays
With all the visitors, travel, and excitement, pets can easily get overstimulated. Try to keep their normal feeding and walking schedule as consistent as possible. Setting up a quiet retreat, a bed or blanket in a calm room, gives them a place to recharge when things get busy.
A few other small things can help: playing soft music or a familiar movie in the background, giving them a shirt or blanket that smells like their person, and reminding guests not to sneak table scraps or open doors too quickly. Scout takes her quiet time on her dog bed in the bedroom during gatherings. Even social pets need a little downtime.
Holiday Safety Essentials
It's easy for pets to get curious during the holidays. There's new food, decorations, and all kinds of tempting things within reach. A few small precautions go a long way.
Foods to keep away from pets: chocolate, onions, garlic, grapes, raisins, turkey bones, gravy, fatty meats, alcohol, and xylitol (found in sugar-free gum and many baked goods).
Plants to avoid: poinsettia, holly, mistletoe, and lilies.
Decor hazards to watch for: tinsel, ribbons, string, candles, loose cords, and small ornaments that could be swallowed.
If your pet eats something they shouldn't, call your veterinarian right away for guidance.
Cold Weather & Travel Tips
Cold weather looks different everywhere, even in New Orleans. On chilly mornings, shorter walks and a dog jacket can go a long way, depending on your dog's breed and cold tolerance. Louisiana's damp air has a way of making cooler temps feel sharper than expected.
For those traveling with pets, pack a few familiar items: their regular food, any medications or supplements, a favorite toy, a blanket that smells like home, and your vet's contact information. For older dogs or pets with health or mobility issues, making sure they have a comfortable place to rest along the way matters more than people realize. Scout can't travel without one of her dog beds.
If you're headed somewhere snowy or icy, be sure to wipe down your dog's paws after walks to remove any salt or ice-melting chemicals from roads and sidewalks.
A Warm Holiday Wish from Scout & Company
From all of us at Scout & Company, we're wishing you and your pets a calm, cozy holiday season full of walks, naps, and good company. However you celebrate, we hope your pets are right there in the middle of it.