Holiday Foods & Plants That Are Toxic to Your Pets
The holiday season is full of joy, but it also brings hidden dangers for your pets in the form of toxic foods and plants. The team at Crossroads Animal Hospital will share the most toxic plants and foods that pop up during the holidays so you can keep them away from your furry friends.
Toxic Holiday Foods
Unfortunately, many of our favorite holiday foods can be harmful to our dearly loved pets. And because it’s the holidays, it can be tough to remember to keep these foods away from our dogs and cats.
An easy way to do this is to keep a list of the most toxic foods on the fridge or somewhere visible in the kitchen. That way, you—and any guests who join you for the festivities—will know what to keep away from your pets.
Some of the most common toxic foods to avoid include:
- Chocolate (especially dark chocolate)
- Grapes and raisins
- Onions and garlic
- Fatty foods (like turkey skin, gravy, and buttery sides)
- Alcohol
- Macadamia nuts
Chocolate contains theobromine, which is highly toxic to both dogs and cats. Even small amounts can lead to symptoms like vomiting and seizures.
Grapes and raisins, which are often tucked into holiday desserts like fruit cake, can cause kidney failure.
Onions and garlic—common ingredients in stuffing—can damage red blood cells and lead to anemia.
Fatty foods can cause pancreatitis, a painful and life-threatening condition for pets. Alcohol and macadamia nuts can also cause a range of toxic reactions in our pawsome pals.
Copy-paste the list above and put it in your kitchen and dining area to help remind yourself, your family, and your guests to keep toxic foods out of reach.
Toxic Holiday Plants
Along with food, some of the plants we use to decorate our homes during the holidays can be toxic to pets if eaten. And some pets will try to eat them. Toxic plants include:
- Mistletoe
- Holly
- Poinsettias
- Lilies (especially dangerous for cats)
Mistletoe can cause digestive and heart problems, while holly can cause vomiting and lethargy. Poinsettias are only mildly toxic but can still cause drooling, vomiting, and skin irritation if ingested. Lilies are incredibly dangerous for cats and can lead to kidney failure—even with minimal exposure.
Consider decorating with pet-safe plants instead, like Christmas cactus, bromeliad, moth orchids, and the polka dot plant.
Pet Holiday Safety
For more guidance on keeping your pet safe during the holidays, reach out to our caring team at Crossroads Animal Hospital. Our staff is Fear Free Certified, so you can rest easy knowing your cats and dogs will feel peaceful and happy in our care. Call us at (540) 832-1751 to schedule an appointment and prep your pet for a healthy holiday season!