Note: This list of potential dangers around the house at holiday time is not exhaustive—that would be impossible. Keeping your home safe for your furry family members is an ongoing process that requires knowledge, awareness of your pets, attention to detail, and commitment. And common sense. However, this list does contain the most common hazards around the home that your pet is likely to face during holidays, special occasions, and major get-togethers.
If you suspect that your pet has ingested something poisonous, please do not hesitate to call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-4ANI-HELP (888-426-4435). If you have general concerns that something in your pet's environment is impacting his or her health or well-being, please consult with your veterinarian.
Raw meat (including poultry) — parasites, E. coli, Salmonella, and other bacteria
Meat juices — bacteria
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
Raw egg — may cause biotin depletion; often harbors salmonella and other bacteria
Garlic/onions/chives/leeks — can cause a fatal anemia
Gravy — high fat content can lead to stomach upset and pancreatitis; often contains high levels of onion and garlic
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 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
Holly
Mistletoe
Poinsettias
Christmas cacti
Evergreen needles
Amaryllis
Jerusalem cherry
Pyracantha
Rosary pea or Jequirity pea
Ribbon/Yarn/String — can be ingested and cause intestinal obstruction and bunching of the intestine
Potpourri — dangerous essential oils
Candles — burning/fire hazard
Fireplace — shooting sparks and intense heat; consumption of ashes can lead to burns (if still smoldering) as well as digestive problems and possible intestinal impaction
Tinsel — choking and possible intestinal obstruction
Low-hanging ornaments — fragile ornaments can tear the esophagus and intestine if ingested
Christmas lights cords — strangulation and electrocution hazard
Food on the tree (popcorn, candy canes, gingerbread people) — varying degrees of indigestion, diarrhea, and other digestive problems
Unstable tree — multiple dangers including broken ornaments, fallen tinsel and needles, and exposure to wires and other hazards on 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; use skirt to cover basin
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
To reiterate: This list focuses mainly on potential holiday hazards. It 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.
Disclaimer: This website is not intended to replace professional consultation, diagnosis, or treatment by a licensed veterinarian. If you require any veterinary related advice, contact your veterinarian promptly. Information at SuperHappyPets.com is exclusively of a general reference nature. Do not disregard veterinary advice or delay treatment as a result of accessing information at this site.
