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Pumpkins, candles, throws, and a simmer pot in the kitchen… fall home decor sets the perfect mood for this cozy season.
Unfortunately for us pet parents, many popular autumn decorations can actually be unsafe for our furry friends.
But don't worry; we can definitely curate the best pet-friendly fall home decor that's both stylish and safe!
Check out our top recommendations in this article.
RELATED: 11 Reasons Why Dogs Love the Fall Season
Why Choose Pet-Friendly Fall Home Décor?
More than the aesthetics, it's also important to consider the safety and comfort that fall home decor can bring our pets.
Many common autumn decorations can be choking hazards for our dogs and cats. Some can even potentially cause fire, an even greater accident for the family and the neighborhood.
Balancing seasonal style with pet comfort is crucial when selecting pet-safe fall home decor for your house.
Our homes should not only be cozy and pleasing to the eye, but they should also bring comfort and peace of mind, knowing that our chosen decor won't harm curious dogs and cats.
10 Pet-Friendly Fall Home Decor
Decorative Pumpkins
What's autumn and Halloween without Pumpkin, right?
Luckily, you don't have to sacrifice this quintessential fall home decor to keep your dog safe.
Real pumpkins are generally safe for dogs in moderation, but be cautious when they become moldy. Moldy pumpkins can be extremely harmful to pets.
You can opt for decorative faux pumpkins made from resin, ceramic, or plastic. However, there's a possibility that they break when a rowdy dog decides to play with them, which can cause injury.
The safest and best option is to opt for pumpkin decorations made of foam.
Seasonal Plants and Flowers
You can still practice your green thumb in fall and perfect your garden's autumn landscape with these pet-safe seasonal plants and flowers.
Please take note of the flowers and plants you can safely grow with dogs and cats around, and those that are toxic to them and must be avoided at all costs:
| Safe Flowers & Plants | Toxic Flowers & Plants |
|---|---|
| Sunflowers | Chrysanthemums (Mums) |
| Roses | Amaryllis |
| Marigolds (Calendula only) | Autumn Crocus |
| Snapdragons | Lilies (very dangerous for cats) |
| Asters | Holly berries |
| Zinnias | Hydrangeas |
| Camellias | Oak leaves and acorns |
RELATED: Flowers Toxic For Dogs: 10 Beautiful Plants That You Should Look Out For
Cozy Fabrics and Throws
Cold evening cuddles are not complete without cozy blankets and throws on the couch. However, if you have a cat and a dog that shed a lot, this can be a lot messier than expected.
Opt for materials like microfiber, microsuede, cotton, or wool, which are easy to clean and less prone to snags from pet claws.
Consider getting furniture or couch covers made with performance velvet. Many cats avoid scratching this material because there is nothing for their claws to hook into.
You can also designate cozy spots for your pet with their own pet-specific blankets and throws. You can place them on their bed or in areas they frequent to encourage them to stay off other furniture.
RELATED: Dog Corner Ideas: 12 Fun & Functional Spaces for Your Pet!
Flameless Candles & Fairy Lights
Scented candles are also popular this season. The warm glow and scent they give off definitely add to the overall cozy ambiance of autumn nights.
Some scented candles can even help mask pet odors, like this line of Pet House candles from One Fur All. However, open flames pose a significant risk to dogs and cats, especially when left unsupervised.
You can opt for LED flameless candles instead, which mimic the appearance of a real candle without an open flame and hot wax.
You can also hang strings of fairy lights to add a twinkle to your fall home decor. Just make sure the electrical cords are safely tucked and are out of reach of your pets.
Pet-Safe Scents and Diffusers
Many households use potpourri to add pleasant fall aromas to the house, but it can be extremely toxic to pets.
Instead, you can opt for pet-friendly essential oil diffusers or fresheners.
Just be sure to confirm that all contents are safe, as some essential oils can also be harmful to pets, like peppermint, pine, and eucalyptus.
Fall-Themed Pet Beds
Your pet-friendly fally home decor doesn't only need to be pleasing to the eyes or nose; it can also be functional for your pet!
Pet beds with autumn colors or patterns will also enhance the overall feel of fall in your home, such as this adorable pumpkin pet bed for cats or toy dogs.
Seasonal Rugs
If you like to switch things up in the living room, you can also get seasonal rugs that resist fur and stains pets sometimes make. You can use this fall area rug from Halloween to Thanksgiving. It's also washable, so packing up after the season is easier.
If this is too big a change for you, consider using a natural, hand-woven mat like the Braided Jute Dog Bowl Mat, which protects your floors from food and water spills while offering a warm, cozy interior that's popular in the fall.
Halloween Dog Treats in Jars
If you don't have an idea yet on what to treat your dog on Halloween night, you can check this out: 12 Best Halloween Treats For Dogs + 3 Homemade Recipes.
Of course, you'll need an equally spooky container to put those treats in, and that's where these decorative Halloween Dog Treats in Jars come in handy.
This will definitely add the Halloween vibes to your kitchen counter!
Seasonal-Themed Pet Toys and Containers
Your pet's toys can also add to the overall autumn feel in your home, especially when they're always lying around!
Give them this fall-themed set of plush & squeaky dog toys, featuring apple, acorn, and autumn leaf plushies.
And when the house gets too messy, you can ask your cat or dog to clean up and put their toys back in a cute, foldable storage box like this one on Amazon.
DIY Pet-Safe Fall Home Decor
If you're into DIY, there are a lot of project ideas you can do at home for fall decorations. Just make sure to use non-toxic materials for your pet's safety, of course.
You can cut out leaf garlands made of felt, loop them with a string, and place them on your doorframe. You can also add painted pinecones to add a rustic touch to your decor.
You can also involve your cat and/or dog in the project!
Create paw print art or salt-dough ornaments to hang around the house for a more festive and personalized touch.
You can get more DIY pet-safe fall craft ideas here!
Pet-Friendly Safety Tips for Decorating Your Home This Fall
Decorating for fall can be fun and festive, but pets often see new items as toys, snacks, or even threats.
Here are practical safety tips to keep your home cozy and stylish while making sure your furry friends stay safe:
- Keep décor out of reach – Place smaller or delicate items (like figurines or faux leaves) on shelves or mantels instead of low tables where pets can paw or chew them.
- Choose non-toxic materials – Avoid decorations made of harmful plastics or plants. If your pet chews on décor, opt for natural wood, cloth, or pet-safe fabrics.
- Avoid dangling cords and lights – Cats love to bat at string lights, and dogs may chew wires. Use cord covers or tape them securely to the wall or floor.
- Skip real candles – Pets can knock over candles, leading to burns or fires. Use flameless LED candles for a warm, safe glow.
- Secure large décor – Heavy pumpkins, lanterns, or vases can topple over if bumped by an excited pet. Anchor them or keep them in corners.
- Supervise around new décor – Watch how your pet reacts when you first put up decorations. If they seem curious or overly interested, adjust placement to reduce temptation.
- Keep food-based décor out of reach – Candy bowls, caramel apples, or nut displays can be dangerous if ingested. Reserve edible decorations for areas pets can’t access.
RELATED: 15 Fall Pet Safety Tips This Autumn Season
FAQs About Pet-Friendly Fall Décor
How to design a pet-friendly home?
To make your home pet-friendly, you must select durable, easy-to-clean materials such as stain-resistant fabrics and scratch-resistant flooring.
Create cozy spaces just for your pets with beds, crates, or window perches, and keep toxic plants or small objects out of reach.
You can also use pet gates or built-in storage to keep your pet's belongings organized and safe while allowing them to move around comfortably.
You can learn more by following our tips here: 6 Quick Tips for Puppy-Proofing Your Home
How can I keep my pets from chewing on decorations?
The best way to do it is to keep decorations out of your pet's reach as much as possible.
Provide chew toys to redirect their focus and supervise them when new items are introduced into the home.
If your pet is persistent, you can use repellent sprays or pet-safe bitterants to deter them from approaching your decorations.
Can I use essential oils in my fall décor if I have pets?
While some essential oils are safe for pets, many popular ones are toxic to pets, especially cats, such as cinnamon, clove, and eucalyptus.
It's best to use pet-safe diffusers in well-ventilated areas or consider avoiding essential oils altogether.
Pet-Friendly Fall Home Decor: Before You Go…
You can still have fun and cozy autumn days and nights at home, even with pets around!
Just make sure to use pet-safe decor, avoid common hazards, and create cozy spaces you and your pets can enjoy.
Remember: a stylish home doesn't have to sacrifice safety!
If you want to read more about pets and fall preparations, you can check out our recommended articles below!
