Tinsel, Treats, & Trouble
Foods & Décor that Could Turn Holiday Fun into a Vet Visit
The holidays bring warmth, joy, and plenty of treats — but some of those festive favorites can be dangerous for your furry family members. Before the celebrations begin, take a moment to make sure your holiday home is pet-safe.
Rich Fatty Foods: Chicken skin, turkey skin, and gravy can cause your pet’s pancreas to become inflamed, which is an essential part of their digestive system.
Bones: Cooked bones are extremely hazardous for your pets to swallow. When bones are cooked, they absorb moisture and become brittle, which can easily break and get lodged throat and intestines. Check with your vet to see if they have a safer recommendation, as raw bones and rawhide may both be dangerous depending on your dog’s chewing habits.
Onions & Garlic: Onions contain a component that can damage the red blood cells in dogs and cats over time. Just a small amount may cause gastrointestinal irritation. This includes all members of the onion family, such as shallots, garlic, and scallions.
Chocolate: Chocolate is toxic to cats and dogs because of caffeine and other components that can cause vomiting and diarrhea. In serious cases, they may develop arrhythmias or seizures.
Grapes/Raisins: This is an unexpected food that is known to cause kidney failure in canines. Signs of poisoning are vomiting and hyperactivity.
Xylitol: A sugar substitute found in sugar-free candy, gum, and baked goods that can be deadly even in small amounts.
Yeasty Doughs: Raw doughs that contain yeast can expand in the stomach, causing severe bloating or alcohol poisoning from yeast fermentation.
Milk Products: Cats and dogs weren’t built to digest lactose the way most humans can. Like a lactose-intolerant human, milk products will cause acute intestinal distress in pets.
Poinsettias, Mistletoe, and holly: Holiday greenery adds beauty to your home, but not all plants are pet-friendly. Poinsettias, while rarely deadly, can irritate your pet’s mouth and stomach. Mistletoe and holly are more dangerous, potentially causing vomiting, diarrhea, and even cardiovascular problems.
Tinsel, OR small ornaments: These can be irresistible but are major choking and blockage hazards. Keep breakable ornaments out of reach, and skip the tinsel altogether if you have a curious kitty.
Amid the excitement, pets can become overwhelmed by guests, noise, and changes in routine. Create a quiet, cozy spot where they can relax, and remind visitors not to sneak them any treats. With a little preparation, you can ensure a happy, healthy holiday for every member of the family — four-legged ones included.
