Dec 8, 2024
By Paige Adams, DVM
The holiday season is a time of joy, celebration, and togetherness. However, it can also bring unique risks for our furry friends. Festive foods and decorations often pose hidden dangers to pets, and being informed can help ensure your pets stay safe and happy during the holidays. Here’s a guide to common holiday hazards and how to avoid them.
Dangerous Holiday Foods
Many traditional holiday treats can be harmful—or even fatal—to pets. Keep these items out of reach:
- Chocolate
Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, both toxic to dogs and cats. Dark chocolate and baking chocolate are especially harmful.
Tip: Store chocolate treats in sealed containers far from pets’ reach. - Alcohol
Even small amounts of alcohol can cause vomiting, diarrhea, breathing difficulties, and even coma in pets. Be mindful of open glasses and spills.
Tip: Dispose of leftover drinks immediately and keep glasses away from curious snouts. - Grapes and Raisins
Grapes and raisins can lead to kidney failure in dogs. This includes foods like fruitcake and certain breads. The exact toxic dosage is unknown, but even small amounts can cause serious illness so we recommend avoiding this toxic food completely.
Tip: Read labels carefully and don’t offer “just a nibble” of anything you don’t know all of the ingredients to. - Xylitol
Found in sugar-free candies, gum, and baked goods, xylitol can cause a dangerous drop in blood sugar and liver failure in dogs.
Tip: Keep sugar-free products out of reach and inform guests to do the same. Xylitol can also be called Birch sugar, Wood sugar, and a few other names so look out for those too. - Bones
We do not recommend raw or cooked bones. Raw bones are so hard they can cause fractured teeth or if there is too much fat still present other diseases such as pancreatitis or generalized GI Upset. Cooked bones can splinter, causing choking or digestive tract injuries so those are also to be avoided and are often even more dangerous than raw bones.
Tip: Provide pet-friendly chews and treats instead of table scraps. Limited ingredient treats or even home made treats specifically for pets are wonderful options! - Fatty Foods and Pan Drippings
Rich, fatty foods like turkey skin, gravy, and butter can trigger pancreatitis, a painful and potentially life-threatening condition.
Tip: Stick to pet-safe treats and avoid feeding from the table.
Hazardous Decorations
Decorations can be as enticing to pets as they are to us, but some can pose significant risks:
- Tinsel and Ribbon
Cats, in particular, are drawn to shiny objects like tinsel and ribbon, which can cause intestinal blockages if ingested.
Tip: Opt for safer alternatives like garlands or fabric decorations. - Holiday Lights and Cords
Chewing on electrical cords can lead to burns or electric shock.
Tip: Use cord protectors and unplug lights when not in use. - Candles
Curious pets can easily knock over lit candles, causing burns or house fires.
Tip: Switch to flameless LED candles for a safer glow. Using candle or wax warmers are also great options to eliminate open flame risks. - Christmas Tree Water
The water in your tree stand may contain fertilizers, bacteria, or preservatives that can make pets sick.
Tip: Cover the water reservoir to prevent access or use artificial trees. - Ornaments and Artificial Berries/Florals
Glass ornaments can shatter, causing cuts, while small ornaments can be swallowed, leading to choking or obstruction. Some dogs and cats think the artificial berries and florals are real and they may ingest them. This can also lead to choking or intestinal obstruction.
Tip: Place fragile and small decorations higher on the tree. Ensure all artificial or potentially dangerous decorations are securely attached or out of reach for pets. - Plants
Festive plants like poinsettias, holly, mistletoe, and lilies are toxic to pets if ingested or even interacted with sometimes.
Tip: Decorate with pet-safe plants or artificial versions.
General Safety Tips
- Supervise and Secure: Supervise pets around decorations and secure your tree or other decorations to prevent tipping.
- Create a Safe Space: Provide a quiet, pet-friendly area where your furry friend can retreat if overwhelmed.
- Educate Guests: Inform guests about pet hazards and ask them not to feed pets without checking with you.
When in Doubt, Call the Vet
If your pet ingests something questionable, contact your veterinarian or a pet poison helpline immediately. Acting quickly can make all the difference. The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center number is 1-888-426-4435. There is a fee associated with this call and getting their expert opinion.
This holiday season, keep the festivities fun and safe for everyone, including your pets. With a little preparation, you can celebrate worry-free while ensuring your furry family members stay out of harm’s way.
Please give us a call or comment on this thread with any comments or questions you may have!
Happy Holidays! 🎄🐾