A Safe and Happy Holiday for Your Pet
The holiday season is filled with festive foods, sparkling décor, and joyful gatherings—but it can also bring hidden hazards for our four-legged friends. At Allure Veterinary Partners, we want to make sure the holidays and pets go together safely so every member of your family can enjoy the celebrations.
Holiday Foods: Tempting but Troublesome
From turkey bones to chocolate desserts, holiday treats can spell trouble for pets. Foods high in fat, sugar, or seasonings may cause upset stomachs or even serious conditions like pancreatitis. Chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, and xylitol (found in some sugar-free candies) are especially dangerous.
Keep these off your pet’s plate:
- Turkey bones, ham bones, and fatty table scraps
- Chocolate, cookies, and other baked goods
- Grapes, raisins, and currants
- Garlic, onions, and chives
- Xylitol (aka: wood sugar, birch sugar, birch bark extract)
Stick to veterinarian-approved treats or safe fruits and veggies like apple slices or carrot sticks if you want your pet to join in the holiday snacking.
Deck the Halls… Safely
Twinkling lights, candles, and shiny ornaments set a festive mood—but they can be irresistible to curious pets. Broken ornaments, electrical cords, and lit candles all pose risks.
Holiday décor safety tips:
- Place ornaments and lights higher on the tree, away from swishing tails and playful paws.
- Avoid tinsel, ribbon, or string, which can cause intestinal blockages if swallowed.
- Keep candles out of reach or switch to flameless options.
- Anchor your Christmas tree so it can’t tip over during an enthusiastic game of chase.
Party Precautions for Pets
Large holiday gatherings can overwhelm even the most social pets. Strangers, noise, and open doors increase the chance of stress or escape.
Help your pet stay comfortable:
- Provide a quiet, cozy retreat with their bed, toys, and fresh water.
- Play calming music or use pheromone sprays if your pet is easily stressed.
- Ask guests to avoid slipping table scraps to your pet or leaving doors open.
- Keep ID tags and microchip information up to date—just in case your pet gets outside.
Dangerous Holiday Plants
Some seasonal plants look beautiful but are toxic to pets. Poinsettias may cause mild stomach upset, while mistletoe, holly, and lilies can be far more dangerous.
Toxic plants to watch for:
- All Liliies
- Amaryllis
- Yew
- Holly and Mistletoe
- Snowdrops
Opt for pet-safe alternatives like artificial plants or decorations made from silk or fabric for festive flair without the risk.
The Gift of Pet Safety
This season, give your pets the best gift of all—your protection. By taking a few simple precautions, you can ensure the holidays and pet safety go hand in paw, keeping celebrations joyful for every family member. Feel free to contact us at (916) 680-9975 for more pet safety tips or if it’s time for your pet’s checkup.
From all of us at Allure Veterinary Partners, we wish you and your pets a safe, sparkling holiday season and a wonderful new year!