The holidays are a time for celebration, family, and plenty of festive decorations. But many of the things that make the season special, from holiday plants to rich foods and sparkly tinsel, can be dangerous for dogs and cats.
Here's what to watch out for this holiday season, and what to do if your pet gets into something they shouldn't.
Holiday Plants That Are Toxic to Pets
Lilies: The Most Dangerous Holiday Plant for Cats
Lilies are popular in holiday bouquets and centerpieces, and they're extremely dangerous for cats. True lilies (Lilium) and daylilies (Hemerocallis) can cause kidney failure in cats, and every part of the plant is toxic, including the leaves, petals, pollen, and even the water in the vase. If you have a cat, it's safest to keep lilies out of your home entirely.
Poinsettias
Poinsettias have a scary reputation, but they're only mildly toxic. Their milky sap can irritate your pet's mouth and stomach, causing drooling or vomiting. It's still best to keep them out of reach.
Holly and Mistletoe
Holly berries and leaves can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach upset. Mistletoe can cause digestive upset as well, and larger amounts can lead to more serious problems. If you use them in your decor, place them well out of reach, or choose artificial versions.
Amaryllis
Amaryllis is a common holiday gift plant, but it can cause vomiting, drooling, and lethargy in pets. The bulb is the most toxic part, so take extra care if you're growing one from a bulb.
Holiday Foods to Keep Away From Pets
It's tempting to share a festive treat, but many holiday foods can make pets sick:
- Chocolate: Toxic to dogs and cats, especially dark and baking chocolate.
- Xylitol: This sugar substitute, found in some baked goods, candy, and gum, is extremely dangerous for dogs.
- Grapes and raisins: Even small amounts can cause kidney damage in dogs. Watch out for fruitcake and holiday breads.
- Onions and garlic: Common in stuffing and gravy, both can damage pets' red blood cells.
- Cooked bones: They can splinter and cause choking or internal injuries.
- Fatty foods: Rich leftovers like skin, gravy, and drippings can trigger a painful condition called pancreatitis.
- Alcohol and raw yeast dough: Both can be dangerous if pets get into them.
Remind guests not to feed pets from the table, and keep trash cans securely closed.
Christmas Tree Safety
- Anchor your tree so curious cats and excited dogs can't knock it over.
- Cover the tree water. It can contain bacteria, fertilizers, or preservatives that can upset your pet's stomach.
- Sweep up fallen needles, which can irritate your pet's mouth and stomach if eaten.
- Hang breakable ornaments up high, where wagging tails and playful paws can't reach them.
Decorations and Gift Wrap
Tinsel, ribbon, and string are tempting to cats and dogs alike. If swallowed, they can cause serious intestinal blockages that may require surgery. Skip the tinsel, and clean up ribbon and wrapping paper right after opening gifts.
Wrapped gifts with food inside are no match for a dog's nose. Keep gifts containing chocolate, nuts, or other treats off the floor and away from the tree until it's time to open them.
Electrical cords for holiday lights can be tempting to chew. Keep cords tucked away or covered, and unplug lights when you're not home.
Lit candles add a cozy glow, but a wagging tail or curious paw can knock one over. Place candles up high on stable surfaces, and never leave them burning unattended. For more tips, see our guide to protecting your pets from fire hazards.
Guests, Parties, and Fireworks
- Watch the door. With guests coming and going, it's easy for a pet to slip outside. Make sure your pet's ID tag and microchip information are up to date.
- Create a quiet space. Give your pet a calm room with their bed, water, and a favorite toy where they can retreat from the noise.
- Plan for New Year's Eve. Fireworks can be frightening for many pets. Keep them indoors, close the curtains, and play soothing background noise. If your dog gets anxious, our guide to dog anxiety has tips that can help.
What to Do If Your Pet Eats Something Toxic
If you think your pet has eaten something dangerous, don't wait for symptoms to appear. Call your veterinarian or an emergency vet right away. You can also contact:
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: (888) 426-4435
- Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661
A consultation fee may apply. It's a good idea to save these numbers in your phone, and in your pet emergency kit, before the holidays begin.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are poinsettias poisonous to cats and dogs?
Poinsettias are only mildly toxic. They can cause mouth irritation, drooling, or vomiting, but serious poisoning is rare. It's still best to keep them out of reach.
Can dogs eat turkey or ham?
A small piece of plain, boneless, skinless turkey is generally fine for most dogs. Skip the skin, gravy, and seasoning, and never give cooked bones. Ham is very salty and fatty, so it's best avoided.
Is Christmas tree water safe for pets?
No. Tree water can contain bacteria, fertilizers, or preservatives that may upset your pet's stomach. Cover the tree stand so pets can't drink from it.
Are lilies dangerous for dogs too?
Lilies are most dangerous for cats, where even small amounts can cause kidney failure. In dogs, lilies usually cause milder stomach upset, but it's still best to keep them out of reach.
With a little planning, you and your pets can enjoy a safe, happy holiday season together. For more pet-friendly celebrations throughout the year, check out our calendar of national pet holidays.
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