As we step into December 2023, a season filled with joy, celebration, and the crisp air of winter, it's crucial for pet owners to stay informed about the latest trends and safety tips to ensure their furry companions are safe and happy. December 3, 2023, marks a time of festive decorations, gatherings, and potentially hazardous situations for pets. Let's dive into what you need to know. ### Navigating Pet Industry Trends in December 2023 The pet industry in 2023 faces a mix of growth and challenges, particularly due to inflation and shifting consumer behaviors. Key trends impacting pet brands include significant price increases and assortment reduction. In 2023, pet food prices saw an average increase of $0.30, marking the largest jump in five years, affecting both brands and consumers. Additionally, the total number of pet food UPCs sold dropped by 2.4% in 2022, prompting brands to reconsider their product assortments [➊](https://nielseniq.com/global/en/insights/education/2023/2023-pet-trends/) [➋](https://nielseniq.com/global/en/insights/education/2023/2023-pet-trends/) [➌](https://nielseniq.com/global/en/insights/education/2023/2023-pet-trends/). ### Essential Pet Safety Tips for the Holiday Season With the holiday season in full swing, pet safety becomes paramount. Key tips include: - **Emergency Preparedness**: Know your route to the 24/7 emergency veterinary clinic and keep important contact numbers handy, including the ASPCA Poison Control Hotline and Pet Poison Helpline [➍](https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare/holiday-pet-safety). - **Food Safety**: Keep people food, especially chocolates, sweets, and certain festive foods like turkey and turkey skin, away from pets to avoid toxic reactions and conditions like pancreatitis [➎](https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare/holiday-pet-safety). - **Decorating Wisely**: Secure your Christmas tree, avoid hazardous water additives, and keep ornaments, tinsel, and electric lights out of pets' reach to prevent accidents [➏](https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare/holiday-pet-safety). - **Hosting Parties**: Provide a quiet space for pets to retreat, manage interactions between pets and guests, and ensure pets have proper identification in case they sneak out [➐](https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare/holiday-pet-safety). ### In Closing As we celebrate this holiday season, let's make it a safe, joyous, and pet-friendly one. By staying informed about the latest trends and implementing these essential safety tips, we can ensure that our pets enjoy the festivities just as much as we do. For more information on pet safety and to access lists of toxic plants for dogs and cats, visit the [ASPCA website](www.aspca.org). Happy holidays and stay safe!