After the Gifts Are Open: Keeping Pets Safe Around Wrapping Paper, Ribbons, and Holiday Leftovers

There’s a moment after the last gift is opened when the house goes still.

Paper covers the floor. Ribbons trail off the couch. Bows end up in places you don’t remember putting them. The excitement fades into cleanup, and that’s often when pets get curious.

For dogs and cats, the aftermath of gift-giving can be just as tempting as the celebration itself. Shiny textures, crinkly paper, unfamiliar smells, and unattended food scraps can quickly turn into hazards if we’re not paying attention.

Keeping pets safe during the holidays isn’t about hovering. It’s about noticing what’s left behind.

The most important holiday safety moments often happen after the celebration ends.

Why the Aftermath Matters More Than the Moment

Hidden risks often appear once the excitement fades

During busy holiday mornings, pets are often nearby. Watching, waiting, and weaving through wrapping paper piles as people laugh and move around the room.

Once things slow down, that’s when curiosity takes over.

Ribbons and string can be swallowed. Bows can become choking hazards. Wrapping paper can be chewed, ingested, or shredded into pieces that upset stomachs. What looks harmless to us can quickly become uncomfortable, or dangerous, for them.

A quick sweep of the room after gifts are opened can prevent a long night worrying about what might have been eaten.

What feels like harmless mess to us can look like an invitation to curious pets.

Ribbons, Bows, and the Things Pets Love Most

Why festive materials are especially tempting

Many holiday decorations mimic the textures pets are naturally drawn to.

Long ribbons resemble toys. Crinkly paper mimics prey sounds. Gift tags and tape smell like hands, food, and excitement. Cats may bat at loose ends. Dogs may chew before anyone notices.

Keeping these items out of reach, even temporarily, can make a meaningful difference.

When in doubt, assume that if it can be grabbed, it probably will be.

Holiday Leftovers Aren’t Always Harmless

When curiosity meets unattended food

After gifts are opened, plates often sit longer than usual. Snacks linger on coffee tables. Wrapping paper may hide crumbs or food scraps.

Fatty foods, bones, chocolate, onions, and rich seasonings are common during the holidays, and many are unsafe for pets, even in small amounts.

Clearing food promptly and keeping trash secured helps avoid digestive issues and emergency vet visits during an already busy time.

A few minutes of cleanup can prevent hours of worry later.

Creating a Calm Reset After the Celebration

Small steps that help pets settle safely

Once the excitement passes, pets benefit from returning to something familiar.

A walk, a quiet meal, or a favorite resting spot helps them decompress after the stimulation of guests, noise, and activity. Tidying up the space isn’t just about cleanliness. It helps signal that things are returning to normal.

That sense of routine goes a long way toward keeping pets comfortable and content.

Thoughtful Care Is the Best Holiday Tradition

Prevention doesn’t need to feel stressful

Holiday safety doesn’t require perfection. It’s about awareness, timing, and a few intentional choices.

By staying mindful of what’s left behind after gifts are opened, you’re protecting your pets from risks they don’t understand, and ensuring the holiday ends as peacefully as it began.

Sometimes the safest thing we can do is simply notice what remains after the excitement fades.

FAQs: Holiday Gift Wrapping and Pet Safety

Why is wrapping paper dangerous for pets?

Wrapping paper can cause choking, intestinal blockages, or stomach upset if chewed or swallowed. The inks, tape, and coatings can also irritate a pet’s digestive system.

Are ribbons and bows really a risk for dogs and cats?

Yes. Long ribbons, string, and bows are especially dangerous because they can be swallowed and cause internal injury. Cats are particularly drawn to string-like objects.

What should I do immediately after gifts are opened?

Pick up wrapping paper, ribbons, bows, tape, and gift tags right away. Check under furniture and around seating areas where items may have fallen.

Can holiday leftovers make pets sick?

Yes. Fatty foods, bones, chocolate, onions, garlic, and heavily seasoned dishes can all cause digestive distress or more serious health issues in pets.

How can I keep pets occupied during gift opening?

Providing a safe chew toy, puzzle feeder, or quiet space away from the excitement can help reduce curiosity and keep pets from getting into wrapping materials.

When should I contact a veterinarian?

If you suspect your pet has swallowed ribbon, string, food scraps, or wrapping materials — or if they show signs of vomiting, lethargy, or discomfort — contact your veterinarian right away.

If you live in the Boynton Beach area and are searching for a pet sitter or dog walker, we’d love to have a chat about our services and meet your wonderful pets. We take immense pride in being your trusted pet sitting service in Boynton Beach, FL, and surrounding neighborhoods.

Our passion for animals drives us to go above and beyond to ensure the well-being, safety, and happiness of your beloved companions during the holidays and every day of the year.