This time of year is hectic. You need to decorate your home, buy gifts for family and friends, and plan your holiday menu. And, amid the hustle and bustle, you need to ensure your pet isn’t harmed by holiday hazards. Our Memorial Villages Animal Hospital team explains some potential dangers your pet may encounter during the holiday season.

No. 1 potential holiday pet hazard: The feast

Everyone indulges in decadent dishes during the holiday season, but many commonly served foods are dangerous for pets, including:

  • Fatty foods — Most holiday foods aren’t low in fat, and a high-fat meal can trigger pancreatitis, which damages your pet’s pancreas and surrounding tissues. Pancreatitis can result in a widespread, potentially life-threatening, inflammation throughout your pet’s body.
  • Turkey bones — Pets are often given bones as a treat, but cooked turkey bones can be extremely brittle and can break easily, potentially damaging your pet’s mouth or gastrointestinal (GI) tract. 
  • Chocolate — Dogs are especially attracted to this sweet treat, but chocolate contains caffeine and theobromine, which are toxic to pets. Darker chocolate has higher levels of the dangerous ingredients, so is more dangerous. Signs include vomiting, diarrhea, restlessness, increased heart rate, and seizures.
  • Grapes — Grapes and raisins contain a toxin that causes kidney failure in pets.
  • Sugar free treats — Many sugar-free treats contain xylitol, which can cause severe hypoglycemia and sometimes liver failure in pets.

No. 2 potential holiday pet hazard: The Christmas tree

Decorating your Christmas tree while you listen to holiday music is the perfect way to start the season, but the beautiful conifer poses several dangers for your pet, including:

  • Stability — Inquisitive pets can easily knock over a tree that is not stabilized appropriately. Secure your tree with a sturdy stand, and stabilize the tree top with an anchor to an adjacent wall or the ceiling.
  • Ornaments — Ornaments can break, and the sharp edges can injure your pet. Use ornaments that are pet-safe, or hang them in the higher branches out of reach.
  • Tinsel — Tinsel is a nice addition to your Christmas tree, but many pets are attracted to the shiny, flowing strands. If your pet ingests tinsel, they could develop a GI linear obstruction that may require surgical removal.
  • Lights — Many pets are tempted to chew electrical cords, so ensure you hide any cords to prevent your pet being burned or shocked.
  • Water — The water that hydrates the tree may contain dangerous bacteria or additives. Ensure your pet can’t sip the tree water.

A black and white cat lies among colorful Christmas ornaments and decorations, reaching up to paw at a hanging red bauble. The scene is festive and cozy, with warm colors and soft lighting.

No. 3 potential holiday pet hazard: Holiday gatherings

Whether your pet is a social butterfly or shy around strangers, the holiday gathering can be problematic. Potential dangers include:

  • Escape attempts — Many pets go missing during the holidays, because they escape while their owner is distracted by their guests. Ensure your pet is microchipped and is wearing a collar and identification tags with your current contact information to help increase your chances of a reunion should they go missing.
  • Anxiety — Some pets experience stress and anxiety around crowds, especially when their own home is crowded. Ensure your pet can escape to a quiet area if they become overwhelmed by the gathering, and consider asking our veterinary team if an anti-anxiety medication or supplement could help your anxiety-prone pet. 
  • Dumpster diving — Your pet may scavenge food from the garbage, and potentially ingest a toxin or foreign body. Ensure your trash is kept in sealed containers to prevent dumpster diving.

No. 4 potential holiday pet hazard: Seasonal plants

Many seasonal plants are toxic to pets, including:

  • Amaryllis — The flowering Amaryllis contains lycorine and other toxins that cause excessive salivation, decreased appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy in pets.
  • Poinsettias — Poinsettia leaves contain a noxious sap that can irritate your pet’s mouth and esophagus, and can also cause vomiting if eaten.
  • Holly and mistletoe — These plants contain toxic substances that cause vomiting, diarrhea, hypotension, breathing difficulty, and seizures.
  • Lilies — Lilies are extremely toxic to pets, especially cats, and ingesting only a small amount of any part of the plant, or the vase water, can cause GI issues, arrhythmia, convulsions, and kidney failure.

No. 5 potential holiday pet hazard: Holiday travel

Traveling with your pet poses certain risks, including:

  • Car accidents — Pets who are not properly restrained can be a distraction and can potentially cause a car accident. In addition, if you have a car accident and your pet isn’t restrained in a pet carrier or safety harness, they can sustain significant injuries.
  • Veterinary emergencies — If your pet has a veterinary emergency while you are traveling, you must be prepared to find a nearby veterinary hospital. Research emergency and urgent care veterinary clinics along your route and at your final destination, so you can act quickly if your pet experiences an emergency.
  • Cargo hold dangers — The plane’s cargo hold is not safe for pets, so ensure your pet can travel with you in the cabin if you plan to fly with your pet.

Don’t let a holiday pet hazard interrupt your seasonal celebrations. If you would like your pet microchipped before your upcoming holiday gathering, contact our Memorial Villages Animal Hospital team, so we can help you prepare for the festivities.