The holidays bring extra food, decorations and visitors, and curious pets can get into trouble fast. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warns about several common holiday hazards for dogs and cats. Here’s what to keep out of reach.
Foods to Keep Away From Pets
- Chocolate: can cause serious illness in pets, and in severe cases can be deadly.
- Xylitol: a sweetener found in some sugar-free gum, mints, candy, peanut butter and baked goods. It’s especially dangerous for dogs and can cause vomiting, weakness, seizures and collapse.
- Fatty foods like turkey skin, gravy and drippings: can trigger pancreatitis, a painful and potentially life-threatening condition.
- Bones and table scraps: can cause choking or internal injuries.
- Alcohol: can cause vomiting, weakness and breathing problems, and can be fatal.
Plants
- Poinsettias can irritate the mouth and stomach and cause drooling or vomiting.
- Mistletoe in large amounts can cause vomiting, breathing trouble and heart problems.
- Holly can cause drooling, vomiting and diarrhea.
Decorations
- Tinsel and ribbon are tempting to cats and can cause serious intestinal damage if swallowed.
- Salt-dough ornaments contain a lot of salt, which can be dangerous to pets.
- Keep cords, candles and breakable ornaments out of reach.
A Hidden Danger: Snack Bags
Pets can get their heads stuck in chip and cereal bags and suffocate. Cut bags open or keep them out of reach, and put trash in a closed bin.
If Your Pet Eats Something It Shouldn’t
Call your veterinarian right away if your pet eats something toxic or shows signs like drooling, vomiting, choking or distress. Keep your vet’s number and an emergency animal hospital’s number handy before the holidays start.
The Bottom Line
Ask guests not to feed pets from the table, keep treats and plants up high, and skip the tinsel if you have a cat. A little planning keeps your furry family members safe.