The Morris Animal Foundation released the following cautions about your pets.
The holidays are filled with tasty food, glowing lights, and happy pets underfoot. But some favorite festive treats can make animals sick — or worse. Knowing what’s safe, and what’s not, can help keep the season joyful for everyone.
If your pet may have eaten something harmful, contact your veterinarian or the Pet Poison Helpline at 855-764-7661 right away. Quick action can make all the difference.
Here’s a list of foods and other household hazards to keep out of reach this season so you can focus on safe, happy celebrations with your four-legged family members:
CHOCOLATE
Chocolate remains the leading cause of holiday pet poisoning. Theobromine and caffeine — especially concentrated in dark chocolate, cacao, and cocoa powder — can cause vomiting, tremors, and heart problems. Be especially cautious with chocolate covered espresso beans in holiday desserts.
MACADAMIA NUTS
Even small amounts of macadamia nuts can make pets sick. Dogs may experience weakness, vomiting, and tremors within hours of ingestion. The exact toxin is unknown, but the risk is clear — keep nut mixes and cookies containing macadamias safely stored.
ONIONS, GARLIC, AND
RELATED VEGETABLES
Allium vegetables such as onions, garlic, chives, and leeks are toxic to pets, whether raw, cooked, powdered, or dehydrated. Garlic is roughly five times more potent than onions. Symptoms may appear hours later and include vomiting, diarrhea, and pale gums.
BREAD DOUGH
AND ALCOHOL
Rising bread dough produces ethanol and carbon dioxide, which can cause alcohol poisoning and painful stomach distention in pets. Keep unbaked dough out of reach during baking sessions and never give pets any beverages containing alcohol.
GRAPES AND RAISINS
Even a few grapes or raisins can cause kidney failure in dogs and possibly cats. These fruits often appear in holiday dishes such as stuffing, baked goods, and fruitcakes. Keep them off your pet’s menu.
CREAM OF TARTAR
Found in some meringues, baked goods, and homemade playdough, cream of tartar contains potassium bitartrate, which can be harmful to pets. Ingestion may lead to vomiting, weakness, or kidney issues.
HIGH-FAT FOODS
Greasy leftovers like gravy, turkey skin, and butter may not be toxic but can trigger pancreatitis — a painful, sometimes life-threatening inflammation of the pancreas. Avoid sharing these foods and promptly discard table scraps.
XYLITOL AND OTHER HIDDEN DANGERS
Xylitol, a common sugar substitute found in gum, mints, peanut butter, and baked goods, can cause a dangerous drop in blood sugar and liver failure in pets. Keep purses, backpacks, and medications — including hand sanitizers and pain relievers — out of reach.
SALTY FOOD AND SEASONINGS
Too much salt can cause vomiting, tremors, or seizures in pets. Keep chips, cured meats, and heavily seasoned foods away. Although salt was once used to make pets vomit after ingesting toxins, it is no longer considered safe and should never be used to induce vomiting.
CELEBRATE SAFELY
The holidays are a time for joy and togetherness. By keeping harmful foods and substances away from your pets, you can ensure they stay healthy, happy, and by your side for many holidays to come.
NOW A DIFFERENT PET AND FOOD CONCERN
Pet owners shouldn’t have to choose between feeding their pets and feeding themselves. The need to address rising pet food insecurity has never been greater. Inflation and halted SNAP (food stamp) assistance have turned pet guardianship into a luxury for many.
Last Hope is holding a Pet Food Drive to support Gary Kaufman’s “Nobody Starves on Long Island” initiative, which provides free pet food to owners at various locations.
Right now, there is a dire need for cat food — canned and dry. Dog food, both canned and kibble, is also needed.
Donations can be dropped off at the Last Hope Wantagh Adoption Center, 3300 Beltagh Ave., Wantagh, NY 11793. Pet food gifts are being stored in the large Meet & Greet room.
Thank you in advance for your generosity
— and please spread the word.
