By Krista Halling DVM CCRP DACVS
The holidays are full of wonderful treats and decorations, but not all of them are safe for your furry friend. Some common holiday foods, plants and decorations can lead to serious health problems for your dog. If you’re travelling or adventuring with your dog this holiday season, keep your dog safe by avoiding these items:
1. Chocolate
Contains theobromine and caffeine, which are highly toxic. Dark chocolate and baking chocolate are the most dangerous.
2. Stuffing and Gravy
Often seasoned with onions, garlic, and herbs like sage—ingredients that are harmful to dogs.
3. Turkey and Other Meat Bones
While you dog may love a bone, avoid feeding your dog raw or cooked bones. Cooked bones can splinter, causing internal injury. Raw bones can transmit dangeous bacteria such as Salmonella. Cooked and raw bones can become lodged in your dog’s intestinal tract.
4. Fatty Foods and Fat Trimmings
Fatty foods and trimmings may cause severe pancreatitis, vomiting and diarrhea.
5. Raisins, Grapes and Currents
Raisins, grapes and currents can cause kidney failure in even very small amounts. These fruits are often found in fruitcake, trail mixes and other holiday snacks.
6. Xylitol Artificial Sweetener
Found in sugar-free treats, gum, and pastries, xylitol can trigger life-threatening drops in a dog’s blood sugar and liver failure.
7. Alcohol
Beer, wine and other alcoholic drinks are toxic to dogs, even in small amounts. Be wary also of alcoholic dishes such as rum cake.
8. Macadamia Nuts and Other Nuts
Macadamia nuts can cause tremors and weakness, while other nuts can pose choking hazards.
9. Poinsettias
Poinsettias can cause mild irritation to a dog’s mouth and stomach if ingested. Symptoms include drooling, licking their lips, vomiting and diarrhea.
10. Lilies
All types of lilies can cause vomiting and diarrhea in dogs if ingested.
11. Mistletoe
Highly toxic, mistletoe can cause digestive issues (drooling, vomiting and diarrhea), slowed heart rate, and, in severe cases, seizures or death.
12. Holly
Holly berries and leaves contain saponins, which can cause severe vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy if consumed.
13. Amaryllis
A popular holiday flower, amaryllis contains toxins that can lead to vomiting, drooling, and abdominal pain in dogs.
14. Christmas Tree Water
The water in tree stands often contains sap, preservatives, or fertilizers, all of which are harmful to dogs if ingested.
15. Ornaments and Ribbon
Holiday decorations and gift wrapping can cause trouble if ingested, by blocking your dog’s intestinal tract. Spherical objects, string and ribbon pose the greatest risk for gastrointestinal obstruction.
16. Antifreeze
Antifreeze, a source of ethylene glycol, is highly toxic to dogs and ingestion of even a small amount can rapidly cause kidney failure and death. Since antifreeze may have an appealing taste and can be found in a puddle under a leaky car, it is a common cause of fatality in dogs from lapping it up directly or licking it off their paws. Be sure to keep antifreeze containers away from your dog and don’t let them walk through or lick unknown fluid on a driveway.
Tips for a Dog-Safe Holiday Season
- Decorate Strategically: Place plants and decorations out of reach, and secure them to prevent accidents.
- Watch for Symptoms: If your dog ingests any harmful items, contact your veterinarian or an animal poison control centre immediately.
- Educate Guests: Make sure friends and family members know not to share these foods or let your dog near risky plants or other dangerous items.
By keeping these toxic items out of reach, you can ensure that your holiday adventures are joyful and worry-free for both you and your dog.
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About the author
Krista Halling is a veterinarian board-certified with the American College of Veterinary Surgeons and co-founder of Dogpacking.com.
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