The holiday season is a time of joy, but it can also bring its share of potential hazards for our pets. As you transform your home for the holiday season, it’s important to be mindful of the foods & holiday decorations that might pose risks to your pets. Whether your pup sneaks a piece of your holiday feast off of the table, or they have an upset tummy from nibbling tinsel or other decorations, these tips can help keep your pet safe over the holidays. From holiday chocolates to holly and string lights, here’s a guide to keeping your pets safe this holiday season.
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Unsafe Holiday Foods for Pets
Unfortunately, despite the sad puppy eyes, some of our favorite holiday foods can actually be unsafe or even toxic for dogs. So double check before you share your holiday table scraps! According to a recent study, 64 percent of U.S. pet parents say that their dog has chewed on or eaten something they shouldn’t have, during a holiday celebration.
1. Turkey: Avoid Cooked Bones and Rich Gravies – While a bit of plain, cooked turkey is generally safe, always avoid giving your pets cooked bones, as they can splinter and cause harm to your pet.
2. Sweets: Avoid Chocolate and Xylitol – Chocolate, a common holiday treat, is toxic to pets, especially dark chocolate. Additionally, xylitol, a sugar substitute commonly found in some sugar free sweets, can be deadly for pets.
3. Onions – Onions are toxic to pets and can cause stomach problems and other health issues.
4. Grapes and Raisins – Grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure in pets, so don’t share bread puddings, fruit salads, or any dishes with these ingredients.
5. Alcohol and Caffeine – Alcohol and caffeinated drinks can seriously harm pets, causing toxicity and nervous system problems. Make sure your pets can’t get to alcoholic drinks, coffee, or caffeinated teas.
Related: Safe Holiday Foods for Pets
What If My Pet Eats Holiday Treats?
If your dog eats toxic holiday foods or treats, they may experience vomiting, diarrhea, or more serious reactions. Additionally, even if your dog overindulges on safe foods, like pumpkin or sweet potatoes, they still may get a tummy ache (just like people!).
Step 1: Act Fast
If your dog has eaten anything toxic or overindulged in their favorite treats, it is important to act within the first hour. If your dog is exhibiting a serious reaction or losing consciousness, you will need to see a vet ASAP.
Not only should you act fast, but you should also not feed your pet anything else until their stomach settles. Take away all food and give your pet some time without eating any more food or treats, to let their stomach settle. If they’re still not feeling well, try a holistic remedy.
Step 2: Try a natural remedy
Holistic remedies can be gentler options than many over-the-counter stomach medications. For example, Nux Vomica is often used by holistic practitioners for pets who’ve simply overindulged, while Arsenicum album is commonly chosen in cases of digestive upset after eating something they shouldn’t. These remedies are available at most health food stores and easily dissolved in water.
You can also support your dog’s digestive comfort with MycoDog Digest, a blend of mushroom extracts and adaptogens that offers natural prebiotic compounds and helps maintain gut balance, especially helpful during occasional tummy troubles.
For pets who seem tense or uneasy after eating something unfamiliar, CBD oil for dogs or CBD for cats can also support inflammatory balance in the gut and help your pet feel calm and comfortable. Pet CBD oil can be applied directly to the gums for quick absorption.
Step 3: Re-introduce mild, bland food
You pup’s tummy will likely be a bit sensitive for the next few days. After all, if you had food poisoning your first meal afterward wouldn’t be a large spicy burrito! I recommend V-Dog for sensitive tummies and lots of water and rest. You can also help soothe your dog’s tummy with a bland broth recipe.
Pets & Holiday Decor
Dogs and pets can get very excited to see all these new decorations, plants and shiny baubles all over the house! Unfortunately this sometimes leads to a pet eating something they shouldn’t. Holiday decorations can cause tummy troubles, and sometimes even be toxic. A few items to be aware of around the house include:
1. Festive Foliage: The Dangers of Holly, Mistletoe, and Poinsettias – While holly, mistletoe, and poinsettias add a touch of holiday magic, they can be toxic to pets if ingested. Keep these plants out of reach or opt for pet-friendly alternatives to ensure a safe and happy celebration.
2. Tinsel Trouble: The Sparkling Risk – Tinsel may be a staple for trimming the tree, but its shiny allure can be irresistible to pets. Ingesting tinsel can lead to serious health issues, including intestinal blockages. If you have curious pets, consider using alternatives like garlands made of pet-safe materials.
3. String Lights and Wires: A Twisted Temptation – Chewing on electrical cords from string lights can result in electric shocks, burns, or other injuries. Secure loose wires and use pet-proof covers to prevent your pets from turning these festive decorations into a shocking experience.
4. Christmas Tree Water Woes: Sap and Additives – The water in the Christmas tree stand may contain sap or additives that can be harmful if ingested by your pets. It can also be a great spot for bacteria growth, and the water sits. Cover the tree stand or use a pet-proof barrier to prevent access.
5. Candle Cautions: Avoiding Burns – Candles create a cozy ambiance, but an unsupervised pet can accidentally knock them over, leading to burns or fire hazards. Opt for flameless candles or place traditional candles in secure holders out of your pet’s reach.
6. Unwrapping the Risks: Gift Wrap and Ribbons – Wrapping paper, ribbons, and bows may seem harmless, but they can pose a choking hazard or cause digestive issues if ingested. Keep gift-wrapping materials out of your pet’s reach and dispose of them promptly.
What If My Pet Eats Holiday Decor?
Holiday decorations are tempting for pets—and sometimes curiosity leads to chewing or swallowing something they shouldn’t. Not every situation is an emergency, but some do require immediate veterinary care. The key is knowing the difference and supporting your pet appropriately.
Step 1: Observe Your Pet Closely
If you notice a missing ornament or your pet is acting “off,” start by watching their behavior. Mild signs like temporary restlessness, mild tummy gurgling, or curiosity around the tree may simply mean they explored something without swallowing it.
Step 2: Check the Area
Look around for clues—chewed ornament pieces, ribbon, plant debris, or missing décor. Knowing what type of item might have been swallowed (string-like, sharp, soft, toxic, etc.) can help guide whether monitoring at home is appropriate or if immediate care is needed.
Red flags that require urgent attention include:
- Repeated vomiting or retching
- Excessive drooling
- Refusing food or water
- Hiding or unusual lethargy
- Clear signs of abdominal discomfort
- A hard, tight, or swollen belly
- Blood in vomit or stool
- A string, ribbon, or tinsel trailing from the mouth or anus
- Ingestion of a known dangerous item (e.g., batteries, glass, salt dough ornaments, mistletoe, tinsel, sharp hooks)
If any of these occur, contact your veterinarian or emergency clinic right away.
CBD Dog Treats for A Calm Holiday Season
When it comes to showing love to your furry friend this holiday season, CBD Dog Health’s CBD dog treats are the perfect choice. While your table is laden with tempting delights, it’s important to offer your pet treats that are not only delicious but also safe and beneficial.
Blanche’s Edibles, our CBD-infused dog treats, are a fantastic option for pet parents seeking a nutritious and safe treat for their pets during the holiday festivities. These wholesome treats are meticulously crafted with real whole food ingredients, including pure coconut oil from the family farm in the Philippines, ensuring a delightful and healthful experience for your pet.
Our vegan CBD edibles are low-calorie, hypoallergenic, and free from grains and gluten. Infused with our proprietary full spectrum hemp extract, sourced from Colorado, each treat is individually sprayed with the exact milligrams of CBD. This precision guarantees your pet a consistent and reliable dosage, providing the calming benefits of CBD to help keep them stress-free and comfortable during your holiday parties and travel plans.
Keeping Your Pet Safe & Calm During The Holidays
Remember, the best way to keep your pet safe from upset tummies or more serious complications, is prevention. Make sure to keep forbidden items, including decor, toxic foods and plants, out of reach of pets. With the right preparation, you and your pets can enjoy a safe, happy holiday season.
Don’t forget the holiday season can be stressful for pets, and calming CBD oil or CBD dog treats can help them stay stress-free and comfortable as guests come over, or as you plan your travel arrangements. Treat your furry friends with safe holiday foods for dogs, and the calming benefits of CBD for pets this holiday, with our Calm Dog Bundle. With our Calm CBD oil for stress support during the holidays, and Blanche’s Edibles for a delicious CBD-infused holiday treat!
