Holiday Hazards for Pets: Foods, Decorations, and Plants to Avoid

The holidays are a joyful time filled with family, food, and festive decorations, but for our pets, they can also bring unexpected dangers. Many common holiday items pose serious health risks to dogs and cats. Knowing what to avoid can help keep your furry family members safe all season long.

Dangerous Holiday Foods

While it’s tempting to share holiday treats, many popular foods are toxic or harmful to pets:

• Chocolate – Contains theobromine and caffeine, which can cause vomiting, tremors, seizures, and heart issues.
• Cooked bones – Can splinter and cause choking or intestinal blockages.
• Grapes and raisins –  Even small amounts can lead to kidney failure in dogs.
• Onions and garlic – Can damage red blood cells and cause anemia.
• Fatty or rich foods –  May trigger pancreatitis, leading to vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
• Xylitol (artificial sweetener) –  Found in sugar-free desserts and gum; extremely toxic to dogs.

Tip: Ask guests not to feed your pets table scraps, and keep food securely out of reach.

Hazardous Decorations

Festive decor adds cheer to your home, but some decorations can be dangerous if chewed or swallowed:

• Tinsel and ribbon – Can cause serious intestinal blockages if ingested.
• Ornaments – Glass ornaments can shatter, causing cuts or internal injuries.
• Electrical cords – Chewing can lead to burns or electric shock.
• Candles – Curious tails can knock them over, posing fire and burn risks.

Tip: Pet-proof your decorations and consider placing delicate items higher up or using pet-safe alternatives.

Toxic Holiday Plants

Several popular holiday plants are toxic to pets:

• Poinsettias – Can cause mouth irritation and stomach upset.
• Mistletoe – May lead to vomiting, diarrhea, and heart problems.
• Holly – Can cause drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea.
• Lilies – Extremely toxic to cats and can cause kidney failure.

Tip: Choose artificial plants or place real plants well out of your pet’s reach.

What to Do If Your Pet Gets Into Something

If you suspect your pet has ingested something harmful:

• Call your veterinarian immediately
• Contact an emergency veterinary clinic if symptoms appear. We recommend Points East Animal Hospital in Fayetteville
• You may also call a pet poison helpline for guidance

Early treatment can make a life-saving difference.

Keep the Holidays Happy and Healthy

With a little planning and awareness, you can enjoy the holidays while keeping your pets safe. If you have questions about holiday hazards or want advice tailored to your pet, don’t hesitate to contact our veterinary team. We’re here to help!

Wishing you and your pets a safe and joyful holiday season!