The holiday season brings joy, decorations—and hidden hazards for our furry family members. Below are key items to watch for and how to keep your pup safe.
Poinsettias
This traditional holiday plant is somewhat less dangerous than myth suggests. While poinsettias may cause gastrointestinal upset such as vomiting and diarrhea, they do not usually cause significant poisoning.
Tip: Place poinsettias out of reach (on a high shelf or behind a gate). If your dog nibbles leaves, watch for 24 hours for any GI signs and call your vet if they persist.
Holly
The spiny leaves and red berries can irritate a dog’s digestive system and cause drooling, vomiting or diarrhea.
Tip: Use holly only in high locations or opt for artificial versions. Prevent access to fallen leaves or berries.
Mistletoe
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association mistletoe is a toxic holiday plant that can lead to emergency veterinary visits. Ingesting mistletoe can cause gastrointestinal issues like vomiting and diarrhea. More serious side effects, particularly from consuming leaves and berries, include weakness, depression, low blood pressure, slowed heart rate, and seizures. While severe reactions are uncommon and usually only occur if a large amount is ingested, the risk is significant, and all pets should be kept away from the plant.
Tip: Avoid mistletoe entirely or hang it out of reach. Consider pet-safe holiday greenery instead.
Christmas Tree Water & Fertilizers
Not just the tree itself—water in the tree stand may contain bacteria, fertilizers or stagnant water that can upset your dog’s stomach.
Tip: Cover or block access to the tree stand. Change water daily, and don’t add fertilizers or additives.
Chocolate, grapes/raisins, xylitol, and raw dough
Food hazards abound at this time of year.
Chocolate: varying toxicity depending on type and size of dog.
- Grapes/raisins/currants (ex: in fruit cakes) can result in kidney failure in dogs.
- Xylitol (in sugar-free candies/gums) can trigger life‐threatening hypoglycemia and liver failure.
- Raw bread dough/yeast: can cause alcohol poisoning and bloating.
- Tip: Keep all human treats out of reach. Use pet-safe treats instead. Make sure trash is secured. Educate guests not to hand your pup people food.
Tinsel, ribbons, string lights & ornaments
Not toxic in the chemical sense—but very dangerous: pieces can be swallowed leading to intestinal obstruction (called a “linear foreign body”), cords can cause electric shock, ornaments can break and cut.
Tip: Use pet-safe décor: avoid low-hanging tinsel/ribbons, secure cords and make sure trash from broken ornaments is cleaned immediately.
If you believe your pet has ingested any item of concern, call your veterinarian or ASPCA Poison Control. They are a great resource for any animal poison-related emergency and are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year at (888) 426-4435. A consultation fee may apply.
Cheers to a safe, peaceful and toxin-aware holiday for you and your pup!