Holiday Hazards for Pets – What to Watch Out for This Season
As the holidays roll in, our homes fill with candy bowls, hearty meals, sparkling décor, and a steady flow of visitors. While the season brings joy, it can also introduce unexpected dangers for our pets. Halloween, Thanksgiving, and the weeks that follow are some of the busiest times of year for pet emergency visits, and many of those injuries or illnesses are preventable.
Here are the most common holiday hazards to watch for and how to keep your furry family members safe.
Halloween HazardsCandy & ChocolateMost Halloween treats are unsafe for pets, especially chocolate and sugar-free candy made with xylitol. Even small amounts can cause vomiting, tremors, seizures, or life-threatening drops in blood sugar.
Keep candy bowls out of reach and remind children not to share treats with pets. We know Halloween is ove,r but the treats might still be around!
Thanksgiving HazardsTurkey Bones & Fatty FoodsTurkey bones can splinter and cause choking or internal injuries. Fatty foods — think gravy, skin, or ham — can lead to pancreatitis, a painful and serious condition.
Stick to pet-safe treats and avoid handing out table scraps, no matter how big the puppy-dog eyes are.
Onions, Garlic, Grapes & RaisinsMany popular holiday dishes contain ingredients that are toxic to pets. Even small bites can harm red blood cells or cause kidney failure.
Keep dishes and leftovers safely out of reach.
Trash Can TemptationsPets often follow their noses — and holiday trash smells irresistible. String, bones, packaging, and spoiled food can all create emergencies.
Use covered trash cans and take out the waste frequently.
Decorations & Seasonal DangersTinsel, Ribbons & String LightsShiny decorations attract cats and dogs, but ingesting them can cause intestinal blockages requiring surgery. Electrical cords can also lead to burns or shocks.
Secure cords, hang decorations high, and avoid tinsel if you have cats.
Candles & PotpourriCurious pets can knock over candles or lick liquid potpourri, which is toxic and irritating to the mouth and stomach.
Use flameless candles and keep scent warmers out of paw’s reach.
Toxic PlantsFestive plants like poinsettias, holly, and mistletoe can cause GI upset or more serious symptoms.
Visitors & Open DoorsHoliday gatherings increase the risk of pets slipping outside or becoming anxious around guests.
Create a safe space away from noise and entryways.
What to Do in an EmergencyIf your pet eats something concerning or starts showing unusual symptoms, don’t wait.Call Animal Health Center of Leawood immediately. Quick action can prevent serious complications — and our veterinary team is here to guide you through the next steps.
Keeping Pets Safe All Season LongA little planning goes a long way in keeping your pets healthy and stress-free through Halloween, Thanksgiving, and the rest of the holiday season. When in doubt, give us a call — we’re always happy to help you make the best choices for your furry family.
Animal Health Center of Leawood
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