Keeping Pets Safe During Hanukkah

Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights, is a time for family, celebration, and tradition. With its eight days of festivities, including lighting the menorah, playing games, and enjoying special foods, it’s important to remember that our furry friends can be exposed to certain risks during the holiday season. Candles, decorations, and foods that aren’t safe for pets can pose potential dangers to them. Here’s a guide to help ensure that your pets stay safe and happy during Hanukkah.

Watch Out for Open Flames

One of the most iconic symbols of Hanukkah is the menorah, with its flickering candles. Pets, especially dogs and cats, are naturally inquisitive and might be tempted to knock over or play with the menorah, leading to burns or even fires.

• Keep the menorah out of reach from pets, ideally in an elevated spot that they can’t access.
• Never leave lit candles unattended, especially when pets are in the room.
• Consider using flameless LED candles as a safer alternative to traditional candles.

Decorations Can Be Dangerous

Hanukkah decorations, such as tinsel, garlands, or even colorful lights, can be appealing to pets but pose risks if they’re ingested or chewed on. For example, eating tinsel or string-like items can lead to gastrointestinal blockages or other serious health issues for cats and dogs.

• Avoid using decorations that could easily be chewed on or swallowed, such as tinsel, small ornaments, or sharp objects.
• Secure all decorations properly, making sure they are not dangling or accessible to your pet.
• Keep electrical cords and lights out of reach to prevent pets from chewing on them.

Holiday Foods and Treats

Hanukkah foods are a highlight of the celebration, but many of the treats and dishes prepared during the holiday can be harmful to pets. Foods like latkes (potato pancakes), sufganiyot (jelly-filled doughnuts), and even chocolate gelt can contain ingredients that are toxic to animals. Onions, garlic, and certain spices commonly used in Hanukkah cooking are also unsafe for pets.

• Keep holiday foods out of your pet’s reach and make sure to dispose of leftovers safely.
• Avoid feeding your pets human food, especially those that contain toxic ingredients such as chocolate, raisins, or xylitol.
• If you want to include your pet in the festivities, prepare special pet-safe treats made from dog- or cat-friendly ingredients.

Noise and Stress from Family Gatherings

Hanukkah celebrations often involve family gatherings, music, and even games such as dreidel. For pets who are sensitive to noise or crowded environments, this can be stressful. Loud sounds, sudden movements, and unfamiliar faces can cause anxiety in animals, especially if they’re not used to large crowds.

Pet Safety Tips:

• Provide your pets with a quiet, comfortable space where they can retreat if the festivities become too overwhelming.
• Keep your pet’s routine as consistent as possible, including feeding times and walks, to help reduce stress.
• Be mindful of pets who may be fearful of loud noises, like the spinning of the dreidel or loud music. A calming pheromone diffuser can help ease anxiety.

Pets and Gifts: Beware of Small Items

The excitement of gift-giving during Hanukkah can sometimes lead to small objects being left around the house, such as toys, wrapping paper, and ribbons. Pets may find these items interesting, but they can be a choking hazard or cause digestive problems if ingested.

• Be mindful of where you place gifts, especially those with small parts that pets could swallow.
• Supervise pets around new toys or gifts to ensure they’re playing safely.
• Recycle or properly dispose of wrapping materials and ribbons to keep pets from chewing on them.

Wishing you and your pets a joyous and safe Hanukkah! We hope to see your pets in 2025!

Carla and Team Tallahassee Lassie Pet Care