The holidays are a fun and festive time for you and your loved ones—including your pet. But an unexpected pet emergency can turn fun to fear. Houseguests, celebrations, and certain holiday decorations can pose potential perils to your pet. Learn how to avoid an emergency veterinary visit by reading our Twin Lakes Veterinary Hospital team’s list of three common holiday pet hazards, and tips to keep your furry pal safe. 

#1: Fatty foods increase your pet’s pancreatitis risk

The holidays are filled with delicious foods, and overindulging can lead to stomach issues in people and pets. Despite your good intentions, push back on the temptation to share some of your feast with your pet, because many holiday foods can cause them harm. Rich, fatty foods can cause stomach problems such as gastrointestinal upset, and in serious cases, pancreatitis—pancreatic inflammation that can cause your pet pain, vomiting, and dehydration. By eating large amounts of fatty foods in a short period of time, your pet can develop this condition. Because well-meaning pet owners often share their holiday feast with their pets, veterinarians see pancreatitis cases increase during the holidays. To help your pet avoid pancreatitis, ask your guests to refrain from feeding table scraps to your pet, put away leftovers quickly, and ensure your trash can is secure, so your furry pal cannot access tempting food waste. 

#2: Holiday food can be toxic to pets

Pancreatitis is not the only problem pets experience when they eat people food. Many holiday foods can be dangerous and sometimes toxic to pets, including:

  • Chocolate
  • Grapes and raisins
  • Xylitol (i.e., sugar substitute)
  • Alcohol
  • Caffeine
  • Onions, garlic, and chives
  • Macadamia nuts
  • Meat bones
  • Yeast dough

Resist those pleading puppy dog—or kitty cat—eyes, and avoid sharing table scraps with your pet. When party guests enjoy snacks and drinks throughout your house, frequently stroll around to pick up any unattended plates or cups that may include food or drink remnants. Doing so can ensure your pet does not have an opportunity to sneak a taste of something potentially harmful. 

#3: Decorations can be dangerous for pets

Be mindful of holiday decorations, and take precautions for your pet’s safety. Your pet may be overly curious regarding holiday decorations, and they can easily mistake some for chew toys. Many holiday decorations are not pet-safe, including:

  • Poisonous plants — Many popular holiday plants, such as mistletoe and holly, can cause gastrointestinal irritation or are toxic to pets. To ensure holiday decorative greenery, flowers, and houseplants are not toxic to your pet, check the ASPCA plant list, and keep all plants out of your furry pal’s reach. 
  • Christmas tree — Tree-related pet injuries are common during the holidays. Properly secure your Christmas tree to prevent it from easily toppling on an unsuspecting pet, and causing serious injury. To prevent a potential pet injury, ensure your tree is stable in the tree stand, and—for extra support—use fishing line to secure the tree to a wall.  
  • Tree stand water — The water in which a live tree sits is filled with chemical additives that can harm your pet if they mistakenly drink from it, thinking the container is a new water bowl. To prevent your pet from drinking out of the tree stand, cover the container, or block your furry pal’s access. 
  • Christmas tree ornaments — Many ornaments resemble balls or stuffed toys, and your pet is understandably interested in them. However, if your pet ingests a glass ornament, they can sustain lacerations or an obstruction that may require surgical removal. Hang Christmas tree ornaments up out of reach of wandering paws and curious noses. 
  • String lights — If your pet chews a plugged-in string light cord, they can be electrocuted. Supervise your pet around holiday lights, and always unplug them before leaving the room.
  • Tinsel and garland — Your pet—especially a cat—may chew and swallow these shiny strands. This decor can cause your pet to become ill and develop an intestinal obstruction, which frequently requires surgical removal.
  • Candles — A curious pets may get burned, or ignite a house fire by simply wagging their tail near a burning candle. To protect your pet and your home, use battery-operated candles. 

By recognizing your pet’s potential holiday risks and taking steps to eliminate them, you can prevent your four-legged friend from experiencing an emergency. If your pet becomes injured or you suspect they have ingested a toxin, contact our Twin Lakes Veterinary Hospital team, or call the ASPCA Pet Poison Control Center.