December’s festive season in Katy, Texas, brings sparkling décor, cozy gatherings, and kitchens in full swing. Pets feel that energy, too. Curious noses follow new scents, paws explore unfamiliar objects, and routines shift as guests arrive or you pack to travel. Joyful as it is, the month also introduces preventable risks, from rich foods and tangle-prone tinsel to travel stress and brief cold snaps. At Circle B Veterinary Hospital in Katy, Texas, we want your holidays to feel easy and safe. A few thoughtful guardrails around food, décor, doors, and travel can keep celebrations calm, comfortable, and, best of all, vet-free.
Much of the season’s risk sits right on the table. High-fat trimmings and heavily seasoned dishes are tough on stomachs and can inflame the pancreas, while a handful of common ingredients are outright toxic to pets. Keep mealtimes predictable: feed your dog or cat their normal diet in a quiet space away from the bustle, and ask guests not to share snacks. If you want to include them, offer a small taste of plain, cooked turkey breast (no skin, bones, butter, or seasoning).
Short list: foods to avoid
• Turkey skin, bones, gravy, and drippings
• Stuffing and sides with onions, garlic, chives, or leeks
• Grapes/raisins, chocolate, alcohol, xylitol-sweetened desserts, unbaked yeast dough
If a culinary “oops” happens, save any packaging, note what and how much was eaten, and call Circle B Veterinary Hospital for tailored guidance. Quick advice now can prevent a long night of worry later. Don’t forget the trash: post-meal bags brim with bones, skewers, corn cobs, and string. Use a lidded bin and take garbage out promptly so scavengers aren’t tempted.
Sparkle and greenery make homes feel magical, yet some decorations are surprisingly risky. Glass ornaments can shatter into razor-sharp shards; tinsel, ribbon, and string can bunch in the intestines if swallowed; and tree water often contains preservatives that upset stomachs. Anchor trees securely and place fragile items higher than paw or tail height. Route cords behind furniture or inside protectors to discourage chewing, and switch to flameless candles to remove open-flame hazards around wagging tails and curious whiskers.
Holiday plants deserve a second look. Poinsettias usually cause only mild stomach upset, but lilies are dangerous for cats, and some mistletoe or holly varieties can trigger vomiting, diarrhea, or more serious effects. If you’re not sure a centerpiece is pet-safe, snap a photo and check before displaying it at nose level. A 30-second confirmation beats an emergency visit.
Front doors open often in December, and even confident pets can bolt when greetings get lively. Create a retreat, a bedroom or office with a bed, water, and favorite toys, so your companion can choose quiet when the party peaks. White noise helps mask doorbells and laughter; a baby gate can slow traffic near exits. Post simple “house rules” for visitors: latch doors, no table scraps, and let pets approach on their own terms.
If your pet is uneasy with crowds or noise, begin a comfort plan early. Pheromone diffusers, calming supplements, and decompression breaks can help, and some pets thrive with veterinarian-guided anxiolytics during busier weeks. Practicing a “place” cue (go to bed/mat, then relax) pays off when you need calm behavior amid clinking glasses and holiday playlists. A quick touch-base with your care team can fine-tune options that fit your schedule and your pet’s temperament.
Trips add layers of logistics, airline kennel sizes, hotel policies, and health documentation, but the heart of a smooth journey is comfort and predictability. For car travel, use a crash-tested carrier or harness, bring familiar bedding, and plan water and potty breaks every few hours. Keep the car temperate; cabins can warm quickly in winter sun and cool rapidly after dark. For air travel, verify crate dimensions and ventilation rules, label the kennel clearly, and let your pet practice short, positive sessions inside it weeks in advance.
If your companion is boarding while you’re away, consider a trial day to build familiarity with the space, sounds, and staff. Share written feeding and medication routines and stick with the same food to avoid GI upsets. Many anxious pets relax best with a combination of environmental comforts and preplanned support; ask Circle B Veterinary Hospital about safe motion-sickness strategies and, when appropriate, prescription anxiety medications you can test at home before the big day. The goal isn’t sedation, it’s steady calm, so pets eat, rest, and settle normally until you’re back.
Short list: pre-travel & boarding checklist
• Update microchip registration and ID tags; pack printed records
• Refill preventives and medications (plus a small buffer for delays)
• Bring measured portions of the same diet and a comfort item
• Confirm vaccine and health certificate requirements well ahead
Katy’s winters are brief, but quick cold snaps can still bother joints, skin, and paws, especially for seniors, toy breeds, and thin-coated dogs. Offer supportive bedding away from drafts, add non-slip rugs on slick floors, and opt for shorter, more frequent walks when mornings dip. Dry indoor air can worsen itch and ear issues; regular brushing, veterinarian-recommended shampoos, and omega-3s may help. Pay attention to behavior: stiffness after naps, hesitating on stairs, or restlessness at night can signal pain rather than “old age.” A focused exam can identify whether joint support, pain relief, laser therapy, or acupuncture would improve comfort. With a few adjustments, most pets settle into winter routines quickly, enjoying family time without strain.
A joyful December is all about simple, proactive choices: keep menus pet-safe, elevate fragile décor, manage doors and guest rules, and give travel or boarding plans a calm head start. Top it off with small winter-wellness tweaks and you’ve built a season that’s merry, bright, and comfortable for the whole family. If you’d like personalized guidance or need quick advice after an unexpected mishap, contact Circle B Veterinary Hospital in Katy, Texas. Our warm, knowledgeable team will help you tailor a plan that keeps your pet protected, relaxed, and right by your side for every sparkling moment of the holidays.