Foods Your Pets Should Avoid
A sweet treat every now and then can’t hurt, right? Well, as long as you keep some of them out of stealthy paw’s reach that is. While you’re enjoying holiday feasts, it’s important to keep certain foods out of your pet’s reach. Here are some common foods to avoid to ensure your pets stay safe:
- Chocolate – A holiday classic, but toxic to pets! Even small amounts can cause serious health issues like vomiting or seizures.
- Grapes and Raisins – These festive snacks can cause kidney failure in dogs and should be kept far from their paws.
- Onions and Garlic – Common in many holiday dishes, they can damage your pet’s red blood cells, leading to anemia.
- Latkes and Sufganiyote – All that oil is likely to make a greasy mess of your pet’s GI system.
- Alcohol – A holiday toast might sound fun, but alcohol can be deadly to pets. Be sure not to leave a glass of eggnog and rum out.
- Nuts – Often found in holiday treats, nuts can cause tremors and weakness in dogs.
- Xylitol (Sugar-Free Sweetener) – Found in candies, gum, and baked goods, it can cause a rapid insulin spike, leading to low blood sugar and seizures.
Plants Your Pets Should Avoid
The holiday season brings beautiful decorations, but many popular holiday plants can be harmful to your pets. As you deck the halls, be mindful of these festive plants that can pose a risk to your pets:
- Poinsettias – While they add a pop of color to your home, poinsettias can cause mild irritation to your pet’s stomach if ingested.
- Holly – Known for its bright red berries, holly can be toxic to pets. Ingesting holly can cause nausea, diarrhea, and even more severe issues if consumed in large amounts.
- Mistletoe – A favorite for holiday kisses, mistletoe contains compounds that can cause serious health issues in pets, such as vomiting or difficulty breathing.
- Christmas Cactus – While not toxic, the Christmas cactus can still cause digestive issues if ingested. Keep it out of your pet’s reach to avoid any unwanted stomach upset.
- Amaryllis – Amaryllis plants are toxic to cats and dogs. Ingesting any part of this plant can lead to symptoms like drooling, loss of appetite, and even tremors.
- Lilies – Common in holiday arrangements, lilies are highly toxic to cats, causing kidney failure even with small amounts of ingestion.
Better alternatives for pet safe plants include lavender, rosemary, and mint (all of which you can find in our scent gardens at the Ranger Station).
Holiday Decorations & Treats That May Pose A Threat To Your Pets
It’s never a silent night at an emergency veterinary clinic.
- Tinsel and Garland – While shiny and fun to hang, tinsel and garland can be a serious choking hazard for pets, especially cats who love to play with them.
- Christmas Tree Water – If you have a live tree, cover the tree stand to prevent your pets from drinking the water. It may contain chemicals like fertilizers or preservatives, which can make your pet sick.
- Hot Oil – It spatters everywhere! If you’re lucky enough to be making latkes and sufganiyote keep your pets out of the kitchen.
- Candles – While they create a cozy ambiance, lit candles can be a fire hazard if knocked over by curious paws or tails. Always keep candles in safe, hard-to-reach places.
- Chanukiote – If a Christmas candle is of concern; multiply that by 8 and you’ve got something to worry about.
- Ornaments – Glass and fragile ornaments are beautiful, but they can break easily and cause injuries to both pets and humans. Opt for pet-safe, unbreakable ornaments if you have playful pets at home.
- Gelt – Chocolate wrapped in foil; two issues in a single holiday treat.
- Christmas Lights – Twinkling lights are a holiday favorite, but pets may be tempted to chew on the cords, which can lead to electric shock or burns. Make sure to hide cords or invest in pet-safe lighting options.
- Dreidels – A little but of gambling is always fun, but there’s no reason to gamble with your pets’ health. If you’re playing on the floor or a low table, keep dreidels, gelt, and any other game pieces away from your pet.
Hosting Parties and Visitors
If you’re hosting any gatherings this holiday season and don’t want to have to worry about your pet getting into anything listed above, give us a call at (415) 282-0700! Our award-winning day and overnight pet care facilities will be the perfect escapade for your dog or cat while you’re busy entertaining your guests. We’ll pamper them with all the TLC they need, and they’ll have the chance to make new furry friends! Wishing you and your pets a very Happy Holidays!
Emergency Clinics for Pet Parents
Take the time to prepare in advance of a pet emergency. Review our list of pet care resources and emergency vet clinics.
Thanks for reading and thanks for keeping your pets safe this holiday season.
Pet Camp has been providing San Francisco’s pet parents with the best dog and cat care since 1997. If you are in need of overnight care for your dog or cat, doggie day care, dog training, pet bathing or pet transportation, give one of our trained counselors a call.