Christmas with dogs and cats

Plants: what is toxic

• Christmas rose: toxic to dogs and cats; it contains substances that affect the heart (ASPCA, Pet Poison Helpline).
• Amaryllis: toxic, and the bulb is the most poisonous part (ASPCA).
• Mistletoe: toxic (ASPCA); the Pet Poison Helpline considers European mistletoe of more concern.
• Holly and English ivy: toxic, usually with drooling, vomiting and diarrhea (ASPCA, Pet Poison Helpline).
• Poinsettia: toxic, but usually with only mild signs (ASPCA, Pet Poison Helpline). For cats, Cornell says a sizable amount could even prove fatal.
• Lilies in a bouquet: life-threatening for cats; even a little pollen can damage the kidneys (Pet Poison Helpline, Cornell).
• Christmas cactus: non-toxic (ASPCA), but it can cause vomiting and diarrhea (Pet Poison Helpline).

• Is poinsettia toxic to cats?
• Is Christmas rose toxic to dogs?
• Are lilies toxic to cats?
• Is mistletoe toxic to dogs?

Cookies, fruitcake and the holiday roast

• Chocolate is toxic, and cocoa powder and dark chocolate are the most dangerous (ASPCA).
• Fruitcake contains raisins, which can cause kidney failure; rum adds alcohol (Pet Poison Helpline).
• Sugar-free baked goods can contain xylitol, which is toxic to dogs (ASPCA).
• Nutmeg is toxic in large amounts; the pinch in baking is very unlikely to cause serious toxicity, though mild stomach upset could occur (Pet Poison Helpline).
• Fatty leftovers, turkey skin and gravy can cause pancreatitis (Pet Poison Helpline). Never give cooked bones or stuffing with onions.
• A small piece of boneless turkey is a fine treat (ASPCA); skip the skin and fat.

• Can dogs eat chocolate?
• Can dogs eat fruitcake?
• Can dogs eat turkey skin?
• Can dogs eat gingerbread?

Tinsel, ribbon and decorations

• Tinsel and ribbon: cats especially, but also dogs, swallow them easily. The intestines bunch up along the string, which can saw through the intestinal wall; surgery is usually needed (Pet Poison Helpline, Merck, International Cat Care). Better skip tinsel and clear away ribbon after opening gifts.
• If a string hangs from the mouth, never pull it; go to the vet (Merck).
• Never leave candles unattended (ASPCA); cats easily burn themselves swatting at the flame (Cornell).
• Batteries: a punctured battery can burn the mouth and esophagus. Don’t make your pet vomit; go to the vet right away (ASPCA, Pet Poison Helpline).
• Lights and cords: chewing on them risks an electrical shock (ASPCA).
• Glass ornaments: shards injure the mouth and gut (ASPCA). Hang only unbreakable ornaments low (Cornell).
• Salt-dough ornaments are dangerous even when dry, because the salt upsets the electrolyte balance (ASPCA).
• Snow globes can contain antifreeze (ethylene glycol) (ASPCA).
• Liquid potpourri and scented oils: cats are especially sensitive, and they can burn the mouth and esophagus (Pet Poison Helpline, Cornell).

The Christmas tree

Anchor the tree so it can’t tip over (ASPCA). Pine needles are barely toxic (cats are sensitive to their oils), but they don’t digest well and can injure the gut (Pet Poison Helpline).

ASPCA calls tree water a breeding ground for bacteria. Cornell advises plain water with no chemicals added; cover the stand.

• Are pine needles toxic to dogs?
• Are pine needles toxic to cats?

Visitors and commotion

• Give your pet a quiet place to retreat to (ASPCA, Cornell).
• Ask guests not to feed your pet and to keep medications and handbags out of reach (ASPCA, Pet Poison Helpline).
• With lots of visitors, cats easily slip out the open door (Cornell).
• Secure the trash with bones and leftovers (ASPCA).

In an emergency

If your pet ate something toxic, call your vet or an emergency vet clinic right away, even if your pet seems fine. You can also call ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 or the Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 (a fee may apply). Don’t make your pet vomit unless a vet tells you to.

Before the holidays, check which clinic near you is open for emergencies.

• Toxic to dogs and cats