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The holiday season is full of light, warmth, and time with family -  and for many of us, that includes our pets. At Haarstad Veterinary Dermatology, we know that pets are family, whether they’re curling up under your tree at home or greeting visitors at your office.

But the same festive decorations and cozy fires that make the season bright can also present unexpected risks - especially when curious paws and wagging tails are nearby. For pet lovers across the Midwest, understanding these risks is the key to keeping everyone safe.

Why Fire Safety Matters More Than You Think

Most holiday safety lists cover the basics: avoid chocolate, skip the tinsel, and keep pets away from poinsettias. Those are all important, but one hazard that’s often overlooked is fire.

Each year, thousands of fires start from unattended candles, electrical cords, and fireplaces, and many of them involve pets. A dog’s tail wagging near a candle, a cat chewing a light cord, or a playful puppy tipping over a tree can quickly turn into an emergency.

For families in Minnesota and the upper Midwest, winter also adds other challenges: space heaters, wood-burning stoves, dry air, and static buildup - all of which increase fire risk. Knowing what to look for,  and how to prevent it, can make the difference between a near miss and a huge disaster.

Walk Through Your Space Like a Pet

The best way to identify the risks is to look at your home from your pet’s perspective. Get down at their level and look for anything that dangles, glows, or smells intriguing. Cords, candles, and tree ornaments are often right at their eye (or nose) level.

Ask yourself:

• Could a pet reach this candle, cord, or outlet?

• Are there decorations with sharp edges or breakable glass?

• Is there a secure screen blocking the fireplace?

• Are pet beds or toys too close to heaters or vents?

Taking the time to look things over before decorating or hosting guests can prevent most accidents.

5 Simple Steps to Keep Pets and Your Home Safe

Swap open flames for flameless.
Battery-powered candles or LED decorations look beautiful without the risk. If you do use real candles, place them on high, stable surfaces and always blow them out when you leave the room.

Secure your Christmas tree.
Anchor your tree to the wall or ceiling, use a sturdy stand, and keep all breakable ornaments toward the top. Real trees should be watered every day as dry branches catch fire easily, especially if they are placed near heaters.

Protect cords and outlets.
Tape them down, hide them behind furniture, or use cord covers. Pets who chew on cords can not only start fires but also suffer electric burns.

Guard your fireplace and space heaters.
Always use a screen or barrier, and keep pet beds and blankets at least three feet away from any heater or the fireplace. Even after the fire is out, embers and glass doors can stay hot for hours.

Create a “pet-safe zone.”
Have a calm space where pets can rest away from decorations, wrapping paper, or the bustle of holiday guests to help reduce anxiety and the chance for accidents.

When Accidents Do Happen

Even with the best preparation, accidents can occur. If a pet knocks over a candle, chews a wire, or touches a hot surface, it’s important to act quickly:

• For burns or singed fur: Rinse the area with cool (not cold) water and call your veterinarian or emergency vet clinic. Burns can get worse over time or become infected.

• For electrical injuries: If your pet chews a cord and seems dazed, drools excessively, or collapses, get them to emergency care immediately.

• For smoke exposure: Move your pet to fresh air and contact a vet. Smoke inhalation can be serious, even if symptoms appear mild at first.

And don’t forget to check your fire safety gear. Test smoke alarms and keep a pet-friendly fire extinguisher within reach. It’s also a good idea to confirm that your home insurance covers pet-related incidents.

Why Dermatology Still Matters in Holiday Safety

You might wonder what dermatology has to do with holiday fire safety - and the answer is, more than you’d think. Many seasonal hazards show up first through your pet’s skin and coat.

Burns and heat exposure: Pets love warmth, but sitting too close to a heater or fireplace can lead to singed fur, paw burns, or hot-spot irritation. Even mild burns can cause discomfort and secondary infections if left untreated.

Fragrance and chemical sensitivity: Scented candles, air fresheners, and essential oils can irritate sensitive skin or trigger allergic reactions, especially in pets with existing dermatitis.

Dry air and allergies: As we know, Minnesota winters are very dry, and the lack of humidity, indoor heat, and the stress of the holidays can cause itchy, flaky skin and an increase in allergy symptoms for cats and dogs. 

Contact reactions: Some pets can develop irritation from decorative snow sprays, sap from the Christmas tree, or from holiday plants like pine and holly. Licking or rubbing against these things can cause redness or inflammation for pets with sensitive skin.

At Haarstad Veterinary Dermatology, our focus is always on education and prevention. By sharing these seasonal safety tips, we hope to help pet parents recognize early warning signs - whether it’s a minor burn, dry winter skin, or a reaction to holiday scents - and know when to reach out for help. Our goal isn’t just to treat problems, but to help families avoid them through awareness and proactive care.

A Few FAQs

Is it okay to still use candles if I have pets?

Yes - but always keep them out of reach, away from wagging tails and whiskers, and never leave them unattended. Flameless options are the safest option.

Are LED lights safe for pets?

Generally yes, especially since they don’t get as hot as others. Just be sure to keep cords hidden or secured so pets can’t chew on them.

My dog loves sleeping by the fireplace. Is that okay?

As long as there's a safety  barrier and the surface isn’t hot, it is okay. Always check the area before letting your pet settle down, and never leave the fire burning when you’re away.

The holiday season should be about joy, warmth, and family -  and that includes our pets. A few simple precautions can keep the season merry, bright, and safe for everyone who walks (or wags) through your door.

At Haarstad Veterinary Dermatology, we’re committed to keeping pets healthy  - from managing skin and ear concerns to helping pet parents understand the small things that can make a big difference in their pets’ overall wellbeing.

Here’s to a cozy, safe, and happy holiday season for you, your family, and your furry friends.