The holiday season is a time of celebration, festive foods, and elaborate decorations. However, it’s crucial to remember that some popular holiday foods and adornments can be hazardous to your pet. As a responsible pet owner, you want to ensure your furry friend is safe during this festive season, so Carolina Virginia Animal Hospital reviews common foods and decorations to keep away from your pet.

Holiday foods to keep away from your pet

Take care to ensure your pet does not get their paws on these dangerous foods:

#1: Chocolate

Although chocolate is one of the most popular holiday treats, it contains caffeine and theobromine, compounds that are toxic to dogs and cats. Dark chocolate and unsweetened baking chocolate contain higher toxin levels, making them the most dangerous forms.

#2: Grapes and raisins

Grapes, raisins, and currants are often found in fruitcakes and other holiday dishes. While grapes and their dried forms are a healthy option for people, they can cause fatal kidney failure in dogs. Experts are unclear about the toxic component found in grapes and raisins; however, even a small amount can be harmful.

#3: Alcohol

Alcohol is part of many holiday celebrations, but extreme care must be taken to never allow your pet to consume alcoholic drinks. Alcohol consumption can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, incoordination, and even fatal poisoning in severe cases. 

#4: Onions and garlic

Common in many holiday recipes, these Allium vegetable can cause gastrointestinal irritation and could lead to red blood cell damage and anemia in pets, particularly cats.

#5: Bones

While you may be tempted to give your dog a bone from the holiday roast, bones can splinter and perforate your pet’s stomach or intestines, or can cause a life-threatening intestinal blockage.

#6: Xylitol

Xylitol is an artificial sweetener found in an increasing number of baked goods, gum, and sugar-free treats. If this sugar substitute is ingested, it can lead to the release of insulin from the pancreas, causing hypoglycemia (i.e., low blood sugar levels) in dogs. The resulting drop in blood glucose, and possible liver failure, can be life-threatening.

#7: Fatty foods 

Rich, fatty foods such as beef roast, gravy, and butter-laden side dishes can lead to pancreatitis in pets, especially dogs. Pancreatic inflammation can cause abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration that may require hospitalization and intensive treatment.

#8: Yeast dough

Unbaked dough can rise and cause gas accumulation in your pet’s warm stomach, which can lead to bloating and pain. Moreover, fermented yeast produces alcohol, which can be absorbed by your pet’s body to cause alcohol toxicity.

Holiday decor to keep away from your pet

While festive plants and decorations certainly add to the spirit of the season, some can pose serious dangers to your pet. Be cautious of the following holiday decorations to ensure a safe environment for your furry friend.

#1: Toxic plants

Holiday plants that can cause problems for your pet include:

  • Poinsettias — Often believed to be highly toxic, poinsettias cause only mild irritation to the mouth and stomach. Although poinsettias are not fatal, it’s best to place these plants out of reach.
  • Mistletoe — If ingested, mistletoe can cause vomiting, diarrhea, breathing difficulties, and even sudden death in severe cases. Always hang your mistletoe out of reach of your pet and ensure fallen berries are promptly cleaned up.
  • Holly — Holly berries and leaves can cause drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea if ingested.
  • Amaryllis — This beautiful plant can cause vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, lethargy, and tremors if consumed by pets.
  • Lilies — Lilies are particularly toxic to cats, and ingestion of any part of the plant or the vase water can lead to sudden kidney failure.

#2: Tinsel and ribbons

Cats especially find shiny, dangling items irresistible. If ingested, tinsel and ribbons can bunch up inside the intestines, which may require emergency surgery.

#3: Glass ornaments

If your dog’s wagging tail or your cat’s curious paw knocks a breakable ornament from the tree, the resulting glass shards can cut your pet’s mouth or paws. Always hang breakable ornaments out of your pet’s reach or consider using shatterproof ornaments.

#4: Electrical cords

Your Christmas village may provide the perfect holiday ambiance, but if your pet chews on the cords, they can suffer burns or electric shock. Tuck all cords out of reach or use protective wraps to deter pets.

#5: Christmas tree water

The water in your tree stand may contain bacteria, fertilizers, and other chemicals harmful to pets. Ensure your tree stand is covered to prevent your pet from drinking the water.

Tips to keep your pet safe

Follow these tips to help prevent a holiday pet emergency:

  • Always keep human food out of reach and remind guests not to feed your pets.
  • Ensure that garbage bags containing food remnants are secured or placed in a covered trash can outside so that your pet cannot get into them.
  • Be watchful during holiday parties and gatherings. A distracted environment can be the perfect opportunity for a pet to sneak a forbidden treat.
  • When decorating, consider what items your pet may be tempted by or accidentally knock over.
  • Supervise pets around your holiday decor, especially during the first few days when they are most curious about the new items in their environment.
  • Ask visitors to keep medications and potential hazards away from your pet.
  • Know how to contact a poison control service, such as the Pet Poison Helpline or ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, or the nearest veterinary emergency hospital, in case of toxin ingestion.

The holiday season is all about spreading joy and love. By being aware and vigilant, you can ensure that your four-legged family member enjoys a safe and happy holiday. If your pet is due for a pre-holiday check-up or they run into a holiday hazard, contact our Carolina Virginia Animal Hospital team for help.