This list of potential dangers around the house at holiday time. Keeping our homes safe for our pets is an ongoing process that requires attention to detail, knowledge of potential hazards and common sense. However, even though this list contains the most common hazards around the home that your pet is likely to get into during holidays it is not a complete list.
If you suspect that your pet has ingested something poisonous, please don’t wait to call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-4ANI-HELP (888-426-4435) as time is of the utmost importance in an emergency.
Food
- Meat-soaked string— can cause diarrhea and other digestive problems, or get tangled in the intestines; string is more enticing to pets when covered with meat or grease
- Poultry bones— fragile and can splinter in the throat and intestinal tract
- Gravy— high fat content can lead to stomach upset and pancreatitis; often contains high levels of onion and garlic
- Garlic/onions/chives/leeks— can cause a fatal anemia
- Grapes/raisins— contain an unknown toxin that can damage the kidneys
- Macadamia nuts— contain an unknown toxin that can damage the digestive system
- Uncooked yeast— can expand in the stomach, causing gastric problems and possible rupture
- Chocolate— contains theobromine, which affects the cardiovascular, nervous and digestive systems
- Coffee/caffeine— contains xanthenes which can cause problems in the nervous, urinary, and cardiovascular systems
- Xylitol— a newer sweetener found in many products; can be fatally toxic
- Alcohol — even small amounts can cause intoxication and possibly death
- Tobacco/nicotine— can cause serious digestive, cardiovascular and neurological effects
- Garbage cans— may contain any or all of the above products
Plants (all can cause stomach upset and/or diarrhea)
- Holly
- Mistletoe
- Poinsettias
- Christmas cactus
- Evergreen needles Decorations and Wrapping
- Ribbon/Yarn/String— can be ingested and cause intestinal obstruction and bunching of the intestine
- Potpourri— dangerous oils
- Candles— burning/fire hazard
- Fireplace— shooting sparks and intense heat
- Tinsel— choking and possible intestinal obstruction
- Low-hanging ornaments— fragile ornaments can tear the esophagus and intestine if ingested
- Christmas lights and electrical cords— strangulation and electrocution hazard
- Food on the tree (popcorn, candy canes, gingerbread people)— varying degrees of indigestion, diarrhea, and other digestive problems
Gifts under the tree (or in any area accessible to pets)
- Batteries— filled with harmful acids
- Perfume/Aftershave/Cologne/Essential Oils— toxic to animals
- Ribbons and bows— can cause choking and bunching or obstruction of the intestines
The Tree
- Artificial snow— mildly toxic but larger amounts can cause intestinal blockage
- Ornaments— deep lacerations can occur from playing with ornaments; ornaments may be made of toxic materials
- Tree Water— sap, insecticides, flame retardants, and fertilizers can seep into the water; bacteria can form over time keep animals away and cover with a tree skirt.
Again: This list focuses on a fraction of potential holiday hazards. This List is not inclusive of ALL potential holiday hazards or other potential non-holiday hazards. For more information, you may wish to visit the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center.
