Holiday festivities are full of love, but also a few things that don’t love our pets back! It’s up to us to help them make good decisions throughout the holidays. Here are a few ways to help share the holiday love without sharing a holiday hazard: 

● Know your toxins: Onions, garlic, raw bread dough, chocolate, and animal bones (cooked and uncooked) are toxic to dogs and cats. Even small amounts of these can cause harm, so don’t let your pet indulge! 

● Decorations can be dangerous: Pay attention to your pets around decorations and Christmas trees. Snowglobes can shatter and shards of glass can cause cuts and internal injuries if eaten. Many snow globes contain antifreeze, which is toxic to dogs and cats if ingested. Cats love to chew on electrical cords and eat tinsel! Electrical cords can cause mouth burns, and tinsel can easily become an intestinal blockage. Christmas tree needles can cause stomach upset, and water for fresh-cut trees can contain pesticides, preservatives, and bacteria that can make pets sick. 

So, now that we know some of the main hazards, what can we do to have a safe, pet-friendly holiday? 

● Know what you can give: Cooked, plain potatoes, carrots, green beans, and peas, small amounts of skinless, lean turkey with no skin, and apple slices are all safe ways to spoil Fido a little! 

● Supervise, supervise, supervise: Keep a watchful eye on your pet around the kitchen, dinner table, and decorations. When things get busy, sometimes the safest option is a crate or quiet room away from food and gift-opening chaos. 

● Be prepared: Have your veterinarian’s information handy and make an emergency plan for holiday closures. If your pet eats something questionable, call the ASPCA Poison Control at (888) 426-4435. 



With a little planning and awareness, you can enjoy all the warmth and excitement of the season while keeping your furry family members safe. Here’s to a happy, healthy holiday season for every member of your home–two-legged and four-legged alike!