Holiday Pet Safety

November 29, 10:52 AMPet Care ExaminerPatrick Mahaney

Holiday Foods

Chocolate and Candy- Chocolate contains chemical compounds called methylzanthines, including caffeine and theobromine, which have many toxic effects in dogs.  The fat and sugar in chocolate and candy can cause significant gastrointestinal abnormalities, such as vomit, diarrhea, and pancreatitis.   See this related article:

Chocolate Toxicity

Fats and Proteins- Holiday foods, particularly poultry skin and well-marbled meats, contain higher amounts of fat and protein, which can cause gastrointestinal problems when consumed by our pets.  In general, owners often exceed their pet’s caloric demands and proportional requirements for fat and protein by feeding larger than necessary portions. Additionally, the mere interruption of your dog’s consistent consumption of a particular food by feeding holiday foods will increase the likelihood of gastrointestinal abnormalities. 

Bones- Cooked bones are harder than raw bones and are more prone to splintering, causing mechanical irritation to the lining of the stomach and intestines and gastrointestinal signs.  Additionally, bones can be consumed in large pieces or quantities that do not digest easily and can cause gastric or intestinal obstruction. 

Holiday Decorations

Christmas Trees- Tree water potentially contains bacteria, molds, and fertilizers that can cause gastrointestinal signs and liver or kidney damage.  Tree needles can penetrate the eyes causing corneal ulcers.  Your dog or cat can knock the tree over and become trapped by the tree or entangled in decorations. 

Holiday Decorations- Tinsel, string, and other holiday decorations can be ingested and remain sequestered in the stomach or move into the small intestine, potentially creating the need for surgical removal of the foreign body or obstruction.  Additionally, decorations may contain toxic substances that can cause internal organ damage.  The good intentions of making your pet look cute with holiday wear could be emotionally or physically traumatizing to your pet.  Holiday costumes may not be well received when fitted onto your pet and could inadvertently be ingested.  

Candles- Lit candles can inadvertently set a pet on fire, leading to serious skin burns.  Lit candles can also be knocked over, causing flammable environmental objects to ignite.  Scented candles can have an appealing odor or taste and may be ingested, leading to gastrointestinal abnormalities.

Holiday Plants- The poinsettia is a common holiday plant that contains a sap which can cause local irritation to the mouth and gastrointestinal abnormalities when consumed, yet studies do not confirm public’s perception of the poinsettia’s toxic effects.  The ASPCA Animal Poison Control website does not list the poinsettia on their list of toxic plants.  For a list of toxic plants, please visit APSCA APC.  

Schedule and Environmental Changes

The holidays create situational changes in our lives, which can put additional stress on our pets.  Travel plans or the presence of holiday guests may require a pet to be kenneled or confined. Owners or guests entering and exiting the house can allow for increased likelihood of escape.  Make sure that your pet wears a collar with appropriate identification or has a microchip implanted.

This holiday season, please take the time to think ahead and plan for the possibility that your pet may be adversely affected by the holiday festivities.  Should your pet become ill or be suspected to have inappropriately consumed holiday items, please immediately contact your regular or emergency veterinary hospital.