Last-Minute Christmas Pet Safety Tips for a Happy, Healthy Holiday
The final rush to Christmas is on, and while you're wrapping pressies or juggling last-minute shopping, it's easy to forget about your furry friend's needs. The holiday hustle can sneakily disrupt their routine, but don’t worry — we’ve got you covered. At Petdirect, we believe festive fun and pet safety should go paw-in-paw. Here are our top last-minute Christmas pet wellbeing tips to make sure your companion stays happy, hydrated and healthy this silly season.
Keep Toxic Treats Out Of Paw's Reach
Christmas is full of delicious goodies, but many human foods can be harmful (or even dangerous) to your pet. Chocolate, raisins, alcohol, xylitol-sweetened products, cooked bones or rich fatty roasts can upset your pet’s stomach — or worse.
To avoid any emergencies, serve your pet their own festive treat instead! We’ve got plenty of safe and tasty pet treats that say “Merry Christmas” in tail wags. Try Fourflax natural goodies or brighten their day with fun-shaped treats from Awesome Pawsome.
Set Up A Stress-Free Snooze Zone
Christmas can get chaotic with guests coming and going, loud music, and bustling energy. Some pets thrive off excitement, others not so much. Giving your pet a quiet, cosy retreat can reduce their stress levels and help them recharge.
Set up a comfy den-like area using their favourite dog bed or cat bedding, familiar toys, and access to food and water. You can even offer calming essentials for extra support, including diffusers, sprays or supplements. If your pet gets especially anxious, a ThunderShirt might provide gentle pressure and reassurance.
Hydration Is Key In The Summer Heat
With Christmas in New Zealand falling during summer, don’t forget about hydration. Make sure your pet always has a steady supply of fresh, cool water — especially if you’re heading out for the day or welcoming guests indoors.
Investing in one of our smart pet fountains can keep water flowing and filtered for your cat or dog without fuss. For outdoor adventures, take along a pet water bottle from our travel range to keep tails wagging and tongues hydrated.
Be Firework and Noise-Aware
While Christmas itself isn’t typically a fireworks fest, the days around it can still come with loud parties or unexpected neighbourhood booms. These noises can stress out many pets, especially puppies, kittens or newly-adopted pets.
If your furry friend is noise-sensitive, turn on familiar calming music or try natural calming aids. Chew treats and distraction toys like KONG interactive toys are also a great way to redirect their attention in a pawsitive way.
Safe Décor And Gifting For Curious Pets
Tinsel, lights, baubles and gift wrap — while fun for us, some pets see them as invitations to chew, swat or snack. Keep decorations secure and cords out of paw’s reach, and supervise your pets around decorations they might find interesting (or irresistible!).
Want to spoil them safely? Treat your fur baby with a surprise from our Christmas collection or slip a special something under the tree from our stocking stuffer range. From plush toys to nutritious treats, we have festive fun tailored just for them.
Keep Their Routine As Normal As Possible
Routines help pets feel secure, so do your best to keep feeding, walking and play times consistent — even if you’re rushing out the door. Consider pre-portioning meals ahead of time or using a smart pet feeder to stick to your pet's usual meal schedule.
If you're low on pet food or essentials, don’t worry. You can stock up fast with our featured Christmas picks, or use Autodeliver to keep things stress-free into the New Year.
Final Bark: Celebrate With Safety And Love
The Christmas season is a time for joy — the kind your pet shares every day. By taking a few simple (and last-minute) steps, you can make sure they stay content, healthy and calm during all the festivities. We know pets, and we have everything you need to care for them at Christmas and beyond.
Explore our Christmas gift shop today and give your pet the safe, tail-wagging Christmas they deserve. From the team at Petdirect — and our four-legged friends — Merry Christmas!