Christmas Dangers for Cats and Dogs

Authored by Katherine Hull

The festive season is a magical time, but it’s not without its risks for our pets. With Christmas celebrations come a host of unfamiliar sights, smells, and tastes that can intrigue our furry friends.

Unfortunately, many of these Christmas staples can be dangerous, and in some cases, even life-threatening for cats and dogs. Whether it’s the lure of twinkling lights, the smell of a roast dinner, or the intrigue of brightly wrapped gifts, pets are naturally curious and often explore with their mouths. Understanding the potential hazards in your home during the holidays is key to keeping your pets safe and ensuring a stress-free Christmas for the whole family.

Festive Foods: A Tempting Danger

One of the most common dangers during Christmas is the abundance of food, much of which can be toxic to pets. For example:

  • Chocolate: chocolate contains theobromine, which is highly toxic to dogs and cats. Dark chocolate and baking chocolate are especially dangerous due to their higher theobromine content. Even a relatively small amount of these can cause symptoms like vomiting, diarrhoea, rapid heart rate, seizures, or in some cases death.

  • Raisins, Currants, and Grapes: Found in mince pies, Christmas pudding, and fruitcake, these can cause kidney failure in dogs, even in small quantities.

  • Onions, Garlic, and Chives: Often used in stuffing and gravies, these ingredients can damage red blood cells, leading to anaemia in both dogs and cats.

  • Alcohol: Spilled alcoholic beverages may seem harmless, but even a small amount of alcohol can cause vomiting, tremors, or liver damage in pets.

  • Bones: Leftover turkey or chicken bones may splinter and cause choking or internal injuries. Always dispose of bones securely.

To avoid accidents, keep festive foods out of reach and inform guests not to share their meals with your pets, no matter how pleading those eyes may be!

Christmas Plants: Beauty with a Hidden Danger

Holiday greenery adds charm to any home but can pose risks to curious pets:

  • Poinsettias: While not as toxic as commonly believed, poinsettias can still cause irritation to a pet’s mouth and stomach if chewed, leading to drooling or vomiting.

  • Mistletoe and Holly: Holly berries can cause vomiting and diarrhoea, and mistletoe can also be toxic - if ingested in large quantities may lead to breathing difficulties, erratic behaviour, or even collapse

  • Lilies: Often found in bouquets, lilies are extremely toxic to cats. Even a small amount of pollen can cause kidney failure.

  • Christmas Tree Pine Needles: can be harmful if ingested as pine needles can irritate the stomach and intestines and in rare cases potentially puncture the gut.

Decorations and Wrapping: A Hidden Hazard

From glittering tinsel to crinkly wrapping paper, holiday decorations are irresistible to pets but can in some instances lead to serious problems:

  • Tinsel and String: Cats are particularly drawn to tinsel and ribbons, which can cause intestinal blockages if swallowed. Symptoms may include vomiting, lethargy, and difficulty passing stool.

  • Baubles and Ornaments: Shiny baubles can shatter, leaving sharp edges that may injure a pet's paws or mouth. Even unbroken ornaments can become choking hazards/intestinal blockages if chewed.

  • Fairy Lights: Chewing on light wires can result in electric shocks, burns, or fire hazards. Ensure wires are out of reach or use pet-proof cable covers.

  • Wrapping Materials: Ribbons, gift tags, and tape can easily be ingested by curious pets, leading to choking or digestive blockages. Additionally, batteries from electronic gifts can cause burns or toxicity if bitten or swallowed.

Keep a watchful eye during present-opening sessions and dispose of wrapping materials promptly to reduce risks.

Christmas Tree: A Source of Curiosity and Risk

A decorated Christmas tree is the centrepiece of the season, but it can be a hazard for pets:

  • Climbing and Toppling: Cats often see Christmas trees as an invitation to climb, which can result in toppling trees and potential injuries. Secure your tree to the wall or ceiling to prevent accidents.

  • Tree Water: If you use a real tree, the water in the stand can become contaminated with sap or additives like fertilizer, posing a poisoning risk if ingested by pets. Cover the water stand to keep pets away.

  • Edible Decorations: Chocolate coins, candy canes, or popcorn garlands may tempt pets to nibble on the tree. Ideally avoid using edible decorations altogether if you have pets.

Guest Visits and Festive Chaos

The holiday season often brings an increase in visitors, which can be stressful for pets. Doors left open by guests can result in pets escaping, while unfamiliar people may increase anxiety, especially for nervous animals. Consider creating a quiet, safe space for your pet during gatherings and ensure all visitors are aware of pet safety rules.

Conclusion

Christmas is a time for family, joy, and celebration - our pets are an integral part of that. However, the season also brings hidden risks that can quickly turn festive cheer into an emergency trip to the vet. By taking precautions, such as keeping harmful foods out of reach, using pet-safe decorations, and supervising interactions with holiday items, you can minimise these dangers and ensure your pets stay safe and happy.

A little foresight can go a long way in protecting your furry friends, allowing you to focus on making magical memories together. After all, a safe and healthy pet is the best Christmas gift of all!