Holiday Hazards to Avoid, How to Keep Your Pets Safe This Season
As the holiday season approaches, pet owners are preparing for festive gatherings. It’s important to remember that these celebrations can pose hidden health risks for our furry companions. While it’s tempting to include pets in the holiday feast, certain foods and drinks can lead to emergency health situations for dogs and cats.
“Pets are naturally curious, especially around food and beverages, but certain holiday treats are particularly bad for them,” says Dr. Emily Tincher, Chief Veterinary Officer at Nationwide. “Many pet owners are unaware that even small amounts of festive staples can lead to illness, from mild stomach upset to more serious toxic reactions, causing discomfort for pets and unexpected stress for the family during the holidays.”
Chocolate Toxicity
Chocolate is a classic holiday treat, but it’s highly toxic to pets. Ingesting chocolate can lead to a range of symptoms.
- In 2023, 19% of Nationwide’s chocolate toxicity claims were submitted in December, with a 140% spike in claims in the final two weeks.
- Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, increased heart rate, and seizures in severe cases.
- Estimated treatment cost: $830
Alcohol Toxicity
Even small amounts of alcohol can be dangerous for pets.
- Symptoms include lethargy, vomiting, and respiratory distress.
- Estimated treatment cost: $988
Pancreatitis
Fatty foods, such as those commonly served during the holidays, can lead to pancreatitis.
- Pancreatitis is the painful and potentially life-threatening inflammation of the pancreas.
- It is often caused when pets eat foods like ham, turkey skin, dark meat turkey, and gravy.
- Symptoms include vomiting and lethargy.
- Estimated treatment cost: $1,400+, depending on the severity of the case
*Based on 30 days after diagnosis, 80th percentile of claims received
Festive Foods to Avoid
In addition to chocolate, fatty foods, and alcohol, keep pets away from these holiday ingredients:
- Onions, Garlic, and Chives: Can cause anemia in dogs and cats.
- Grapes and Raisins: Can lead to kidney failure in dogs.
- Spices: Nutmeg, cloves, allspice, onion and garlic powder, and paprika can cause stomach upset or toxic reactions.
- Xylitol (found in sugar-free items): Can cause severe drops in blood sugar and liver failure in pets.
- Bones and Corn Cobs: Can splinter while chewing or become lodged in a pet’s stomach or intestines.
Fun Foods to Offer
If you want to indulge your pet this holiday, stick with small portions of safe foods they’ll enjoy.
- Pumpkin (puree, not pie filling): A spoonful mixed into their food bowl, or baked into a pet-safe cookie recipe.
- Apple: Packed with fiber and vitamins A and C, apples can be sliced or diced.
- Carrots: Raw or cooked carrots are good for pets’ teeth and loaded with beta-carotene and fiber.
- Green beans: These fiber-rich veggies can be steamed or raw.
- White-meat turkey: Plain, cooked, unseasoned turkey breast can be a protein-packed treat for pets.
