Holiday Safety
The holiday season is full of fun and celebration, but it also brings hazards for our furry friends. During Thanksgiving, the biggest risks come from food. Turkey bones can splinter, fatty scraps like skin and gravy can lead to painful pancreatitis, and common ingredients such as onions, garlic, grapes, and raisins are toxic. Remind family and guests not to slip treats under the table and secure the trash where curious noses can’t reach.
Christmas adds its own challenges with seasonal decor and plants. Tinsel, ribbons, and string can cause dangerous blockages if ingested, while lights, candles, and glass ornaments pose burn
or injury risks. Poinsettias, holly, and mistletoe are also toxic if eaten. On top of that, holiday feasts bring the same food hazards as Thanksgiving—plus chocolate, alcohol, and rich leftovers.
New Year’s Eve celebration fireworks and loud parties may cause anxiety, leading some pets to hide, tremble, or even try to escape. Keep pets indoors in a quiet, secure space with familiar
bedding and toys, and consider calming aids if they are especially nervous. Remind guests not to share party food or drinks—alcohol, fatty snacks, and chocolate desserts are all dangerous for
pets.
ASPCA Poison Control (888) 426-4435