Festive season hazards for pets

Festive foods to keep out of reach

Many of the foods that make the season special are harmful to dogs and cats. Our toxic foods page has more detail, but these are the main ones to watch:

Food	Why it is a risk
Chocolate	Contains theobromine, which is toxic to dogs and cats. Dark and cooking chocolate are the most dangerous.
Christmas cake, pudding, mince pies, stollen	Raisins, currants and sultanas can cause kidney damage in dogs, and the amount needed is unpredictable. These foods may also contain alcohol.
Sugar-free sweets, gum and some baked goods	May contain xylitol, which can cause a dangerous drop in blood sugar and liver damage in dogs.
Cooked bones	Bones from roasts can splinter and cause choking, damage to the gut or blockages.
Stuffing, gravy, bread sauce	Often contain onion, garlic, leeks or chives, which can damage red blood cells in dogs and cats.
Alcohol	Pets are much more sensitive than people. Includes drinks, liqueur chocolates and raw dough, which can also expand in the stomach.
Fatty leftovers, skin and pigs in blankets	Can cause stomach upsets and, in some dogs, pancreatitis.
Nuts, especially macadamias	Macadamias are toxic to dogs; other nuts are high in fat and can cause blockages.

A few practical habits help a lot:

• Keep food off low tables and counters, and do not leave plates unattended
• Make sure visitors know not to feed your pet from the table
• Put leftovers and carcasses straight into a lidded bin, ideally outside
• Do not place wrapped food or chocolate gifts under the tree, as dogs can sniff them out easily
• Hang chocolate decorations high, or skip them altogether

If you want to include your pet, a small portion of plain cooked turkey breast without skin, bones or seasoning, or their usual treats, is a safer choice.

Plants

• Lilies are extremely dangerous for cats. Every part of the plant, including the pollen and the water in the vase, can cause kidney failure. A cat brushing against the flowers and grooming pollen off its fur can be enough. If you have a cat, it is best to keep lilies out of the home completely, and to check bouquets you are given.
• Poinsettia is often described as highly poisonous, but it is usually only mildly irritating, causing drooling, mouth irritation or a mild stomach upset. It is still best kept out of reach.
• Holly and mistletoe berries can cause stomach upsets and are best kept well away from pets.
• Christmas trees can drop needles that irritate mouths and paws. Do not let pets drink the water in the tree stand, especially if anything has been added to it.

Decorations and gifts

• Tinsel, ribbon and string are especially tempting for cats. If swallowed, these long, thin items can cause a serious blockage in the gut. If you see something hanging from your pet's mouth or bottom, do not pull it, as this can cause internal damage. Call your vet.
• Baubles made of glass can shatter and cut paws and mouths. Choose shatterproof ones for lower branches.
• Batteries, including the small button batteries in toys, cards and remote controls, can cause serious burns inside the body if chewed or swallowed. This is an emergency.
• Fairy lights and cables can be chewed, so tidy them away or cover them.
• Wrapping paper, toys and packaging can be swallowed, so tidy up after presents are opened.

Securing the tree to a wall or a heavy base helps if you have a curious cat or a bouncy dog.

Visitors, stress and routines

Busy homes, unfamiliar people, noise and late nights can be unsettling for pets, particularly cats, older pets and anxious dogs.

• Give your pet a quiet room or safe space with their bed, water and, for cats, a litter tray, where they can retreat and will not be disturbed
• Ask guests, especially children, to let your pet approach them rather than the other way round
• Keep doors and gates closed, as pets can slip out when people come and go
• Try to keep feeding times, walks and play close to normal
• Watch for signs of stress, such as hiding, panting, pacing or toileting accidents

Celebrations around New Year may also include fireworks, so plan ahead if your pet finds loud noises frightening.

Know your out-of-hours vet

Many practices have different arrangements over bank holidays. Before the season begins, check:

• Your vet's opening hours over the holidays
• The name, number and address of the out-of-hours clinic
• How you would get there if you have been drinking or the roads are busy

Save the details in your phone and stick a note on the fridge.

Easter and Halloween

The same principles apply at other times of the year:

• Easter: chocolate eggs are often hidden in gardens and at low levels for children, so pick them up carefully and count them back in. Hot cross buns and simnel cake contain raisins and other dried fruit. Spring bouquets may include lilies.
• Halloween: sweets and sweet wrappers can upset stomachs or cause blockages, and sugar-free sweets may contain xylitol. Keep pets away from the front door when trick-or-treaters call, and be careful with candles and costumes.

When to call your vet

Call your vet or out-of-hours clinic straight away if your pet has eaten chocolate, raisins or dried fruit, anything sugar-free, alcohol, onions, cooked bones, a battery, or tinsel or ribbon, or if your cat has had any contact with lilies. Do this even if your pet seems well, as signs can be delayed. Keep any packaging and note roughly how much was eaten and when. Do not try to make your pet sick unless your vet tells you to. Also call for vomiting, diarrhoea, a swollen belly, straining, weakness or collapse.