The holidays are a busy time for veterinary emergency clinics. Houses fill with rich food, guests who want to share it, new plants and shiny decorations, and curious pets find all of it. Most problems are preventable once you know what to look out for.

Foods to keep away from pets

  • Chocolate. It contains theobromine, which dogs and cats process slowly. Dark chocolate and baking chocolate are the most dangerous. Signs can include vomiting, restlessness, a racing heart and, in severe cases, seizures.
  • Xylitol. This sugar substitute, found in some sugar-free gum, candy, baked goods and even certain peanut butters, can cause a dangerous drop in blood sugar and liver damage in dogs, even in small amounts. Check labels on anything sugar-free.
  • Grapes and raisins. They can cause kidney failure in dogs, and the amount that causes harm varies. Watch for fruitcakes, stuffing and baked goods that contain raisins.
  • Onions, garlic, leeks and chives. These can damage red blood cells in both dogs and cats, whether raw, cooked or powdered, and they are common in stuffing and gravy.
  • Fatty scraps, turkey skin and gravy. Rich, fatty food can trigger pancreatitis, a painful and sometimes serious inflammation, especially in dogs.
  • Cooked bones. They can splinter and cause choking or injuries to the throat and intestines.
  • Alcohol and raw yeast dough. Both are dangerous; raw dough can expand in the stomach and produce alcohol as it ferments.

Plants to watch

  • Lilies are extremely dangerous to cats. Even small exposures, including pollen or water from a vase, can cause kidney failure. If you have a cat, keep true lilies out of the house entirely.
  • Mistletoe and holly can cause vomiting, diarrhea and other problems if eaten.
  • Poinsettias have a scarier reputation than they deserve. They can irritate the mouth and stomach but are rarely seriously toxic. It is still best to keep them out of reach.
  • Christmas tree water may contain fertilizers or bacteria. Cover the stand so pets can’t drink from it.

Decorations

  • Tinsel and ribbon are especially risky for cats, which love to play with them. If swallowed, they can cause serious intestinal blockages that may require surgery.
  • Glass ornaments can break and cut paws and mouths. Hang fragile ones high.
  • Electrical cords attract chewing pets. Tape them down or use cord covers.
  • Candles can be knocked over by tails and paws. Never leave them unattended.
  • Batteries, including small button batteries in toys and remote controls, can cause severe internal burns if swallowed.

Guests and gatherings

Busy households cause their own problems. Doors open and close constantly, which is when pets slip outside, so make sure collars and microchip information are up to date. Ask guests not to feed pets from the table, and give anxious animals a quiet room with water and a bed during parties.

What to do in an emergency

If you think your pet has eaten something dangerous:

  1. Stay calm and move your pet away from the source.
  2. Call your veterinarian, an emergency vet clinic or a pet poison hotline right away. Don’t wait for symptoms.
  3. Don’t try to make your pet vomit unless a veterinarian tells you to.

The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center is available 24 hours a day at (888) 426-4435, and the Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661. Both may charge a consultation fee.

What we think

Most holiday pet emergencies start in the kitchen, not under the tree. The two most useful rules are simple: ask guests not to share food with pets, and keep leftovers and the trash out of reach.

Save your vet’s number and a poison control number in your phone today. If something goes wrong on a holiday evening, knowing exactly who to call saves time when it matters most.