A Palms & Paws PLUS Seasonal Post
Across the world, this season arrives in many forms. Some gather around trees, some light candles, some share meals, some share stories. Whatever traditions you honor, one thing remains beautifully universal: this is a time of connection. A time when the days feel softer, the lights feel warmer, and our pets seem to sense that something special is happening.
It is also the season when curious cats and optimistic dogs decide that every decoration is an invitation, and every plate is a possibility.
At Palms & Paws, we’re here to help you keep the joy high, the risks low, and the love steady.
Below is your gentle guide to treats, decorations, and seasonal surprises so you can savor the celebration that matters most: the one happening right at your feet.
Holiday Treats: What to Share and What to Save for Yourself
Treats You Can Thoughtfully Share
Holiday treats for dogs and cats should feel thoughtful, light, and simple.
Safe, pet-friendly ingredients include:
- Plain cooked organic turkey (no skin, no bones)
- Organic carrots
- Organic blueberries
- Organic green beans
- Organic pumpkin purée (unsweetened)
- Pet-safe ginger snap cookies
- Freeze-dried single-ingredient treats
- Small portions of gentle, oat-based baked goods made for pets
Portion Guidance
A treat is a gesture, not a serving.
Use this as a gentle guide:
- Small dogs and cats: pea to thumbnail sized portions
- Medium dogs: thumb-sized
- Large dogs: one to two small bites
The goal is to delight, not overwhelm.
Holiday Foods to Avoid Entirely
Some festive foods can be dangerous even in small amounts:
- Chocolate
- Onions (all forms)
- Garlic
- Grapes and raisins
- Nutmeg
- Alcohol
- Artificial sweeteners (especially xylitol)
- Spicy or heavily seasoned foods
- Dough or unbaked batter
- Rich fatty foods like gravy, pan drippings, or buttery sides
Curiosity is a virtue, but prevention keeps it safe.
Holiday Decorations: Beautiful, Bright… and Tempting
Across traditions, this season inspires sparkle.
To pets, sparkle inspires adventure.
Decorations to Rethink or Reposition
- Ribbons and tinsel: irresistible to cats, risky if swallowed
- Ornaments: appealing toys from a dog’s perspective
- Scented candles: tails and flames were never meant to be friends
- Glass décor: lovely to admire, but safer out of reach
If it catches your eye, it will captivate theirs.
Trees, Greenery, and Water Bowls in Disguise
If you decorate with greenery or a seasonal tree:
- Keep tree water free of additives or preservatives
- Cover the base so pets don’t sip from it
- Skip edible décor like popcorn garlands or gingerbread ornaments
- Hang fragile items high
Cookies or special sweets left out for symbolic visitors?
Consider covering them. Pets excel at interpreting “for later” as “for now.”
A Note on That Mischievous Glimmer in Their Eyes
Cats investigate.
Dogs celebrate.
Both are doing what they were born to do.
Their curiosity is part of the joy. It’s the way they remind us to stay playful, present, and amused by the small things. Our care helps their wonder stay safe.
A Warm Holiday Wish
However you celebrate this season, we honor you and your pet family. Thank you for welcoming Palms & Paws into your home and daily rituals. Together, we’re becoming better pet parents, better humans, and creating happier pets who help make the world a kinder place.
From our hearts to yours, may this season bring connection, comfort, and quiet magic in the moments you share together.
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