Holiday Pet Safety: Veterinarian-Approved Tips to Avoid an Emergency Visit

Primary Author 2020: Dr. Danielle Sears, DVM
Updated 2025 & Edited by: Dr. Robin Moore, DVM (PetsN’Moore)

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“Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse…”

Well… except Bear.

One Christmas, my mom hand-crafted dog-bone ornaments for the tree. She carefully shellacked each one, hoping to preserve them and hide the smell from the pets.

Bear was not fooled.

While we were all nestled snug in our beds, Bear helped himself to every single ornament—straight off the tree.

In classic Labrador Retriever fashion, Bear would eat anything… and I truly mean anything. He once knocked two extra-large pizzas off the counter and devoured them. Another time, he polished off my entire Easter basket. But the most memorable disaster came during veterinary school, when I bought beautiful, pre-packaged baking kits as Christmas gifts—cookies, hot cocoa, pancake mixes—perfectly wrapped with festive bows.

I came home from class one afternoon to find my locked closet busted open. The gifts were gone. Powdered sugar paw prints covered the floor. Shredded ribbon and wrapping paper were everywhere.

And there was Bear… sitting proudly with hot cocoa mix smeared all over his face.

So if I can spare you the heartbreak, guilt, or late-night emergency vet visit this holiday season, then Bear’s legacy of mischief will not have been in vain.

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🎄 Holiday Food Hazards (The #1 Reason Pets End Up in the ER)

Some pets—like Bear—will eat anything. Prevention is everything.

Foods that are especially dangerous include:

• Chocolate & Caffeine
  Contain theobromine, which can cause vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, abnormal heart rhythms, seizures, and even death.
• Xylitol (Artificial Sweetener)
  Found in sugar-free gum, baked goods, candies, peanut butter, and even some medications. It can cause a life-threatening drop in blood sugar and acute liver failure.
• Alcohol
  Even small amounts can lead to intoxication, vomiting, loss of coordination, collapse, and respiratory failure.
• Yeast Dough
  Raw dough can expand in the stomach, causing painful bloating. Yeast also produces alcohol as a byproduct, leading to secondary alcohol poisoning.
• Fatty Leftovers & Rich Foods
  Ham, turkey skin, gravy, and buttery dishes can trigger pancreatitis, a painful and potentially serious condition.
• Wrappers, Foil & Packaging
  Often more dangerous than the food itself—these can cause intestinal blockages that require surgery.

Bottom line:
Put food away immediately, keep counters clear, and kindly remind guests not to “share the love” with your pet.

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🌿 Holiday Plants & Greenery: Pretty, Festive… and Risky

Many popular holiday plants can cause illness if chewed or ingested.

Higher-Risk Plants

• Lilies (especially dangerous for cats)
• Mistletoe
• Holly
• Amaryllis
• Azaleas

Milder (But Still Problematic) Plants

• Poinsettias (typically mild GI upset, not deadly—but still not snacks)
• Evergreen needles and sap (mouth irritation, vomiting)

Christmas Trees

• Secure them to prevent tipping (cats, we’re looking at you)
• Cover the tree stand water—fertilizers and bacteria can cause stomach upset

If your pet chews a plant and develops vomiting, drooling, lethargy, or loss of appetite, call your veterinarian promptly.

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🎁 Holiday Decorations: Small, Shiny, and Dangerous

Decorations are irresistible to curious pets—and many pose real risks.

• Lights & Electrical Cords
  Chewing can cause burns, electrocution, or fires.
• Glass Ornaments & Snow Globes
  Broken glass causes injury. Some snow globes contain ethylene glycol (antifreeze), which is extremely toxic.
• Tinsel, Ribbon, String & Bows
  These can cause linear foreign bodies—a serious intestinal emergency often requiring surgery.
• Candles, Essential Oils & Potpourri
  Fire hazards, respiratory irritation, and gastrointestinal upset if ingested.
• Holiday Villages
  Small parts, wires, artificial snow, and breakable ceramic pieces make these especially hazardous.

If it dangles, sparkles, or smells interesting—your pet thinks it’s a toy.

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🧳 Guests, Gifts & Well-Meaning Mistakes

The holidays bring visitors—and with them, new risks.

• Open doors & escape hazards
  Make sure guests know your pet’s routine and escape risks.
• Food “hand-outs”
  Even one unfamiliar treat can lead to GI upset or worse.
• Medications & Overnight Bags
  Many human medications are extremely dangerous to pets.
• Food-Based Gifts
  Like Bear proved, pets will track these down. Keep them locked away until gift-giving time.

A quick house rule reminder can prevent a big emergency.

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😰 Stress, Noise & Routine Disruption

Holidays are exciting for humans—but often overwhelming for pets.

• Loud gatherings and unfamiliar people
• Changes in feeding, walking, or sleep schedules
• Other visiting pets
• Overstimulation or lack of quiet space

If your pet struggles with anxiety every holiday season, talk to your veterinarian before the chaos begins. There are safe, effective ways to help.

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🚨 Red Flags: When to Seek Emergency Care Immediately

Contact your veterinarian or an emergency clinic right away if your pet shows:

• Repeated vomiting or diarrhea
• Collapse, tremors, or seizures
• Known ingestion of toxins or foreign objects
• Painful or swollen abdomen
• Extreme lethargy or behavioral changes

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🏷️ BONUS TIP: ID Tags & Microchips Matter More Than Ever

With open doors, visitors, and travel, pets go missing more often during the holidays.

• Ensure collars and tags have current contact information
• Microchips dramatically improve the chance of reunion
• If your pet isn’t microchipped, ask your veterinarian about this simple procedure

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Final Thoughts

After all the chaos the past few years have brought, we all look forward to gathering with loved ones. A little planning can help ensure the holidays are joyful—not stressful—for every member of the family.

Here’s to a safe, calm, and PAWS-itively PURR-fect holiday season for you and your pets.

Warm wishes,
Dr. Danielle Sears & Dr. Robin Moore

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About the Author

Dr. Danielle Sears, DVM, is a 1996 graduate of LSU School of Veterinary Medicine and lives and works in Orlando, Florida.

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Editor’s Note (Optional for PetsN’Moore)

This article was originally written by Dr. Danielle Sears and thoughtfully updated to reflect current veterinary guidance and the PetsN’Moore mission: helping pet parents understand why risks matter—so they can prevent problems with confidence.