Holiday Hazards: Foods and Plants That Send Pets to the Vet
Prepared by the Waggle editorial team. This article is educational, not a diagnosis or an individual veterinary review.
Photo by Tima Miroshnichenko on Pexels. Illustrative photo; not a patient or clinical diagnosis.
Holidays mean new foods, decorations and visitors, and that means more chances for pets to get into trouble. A little planning keeps celebrations safe.
If your pet has trouble breathing, collapses, cannot urinate, has an ongoing/repeated seizure or may have swallowed poison, call an emergency veterinary clinic immediately. Do not wait for an online consultation or for paperwork.
Foods to keep away from pets
- Chocolate: especially dark and baking chocolate
- Xylitol: a sweetener in sugar-free gum, candy and baked goods
- Grapes, raisins and currants: including in fruitcake and stuffing
Onions, garlic and chives
Fatty scraps and bones: these can cause pancreatitis or blockages
Alcohol and unbaked yeast dough
Plants and decorations
Lilies are extremely dangerous for cats, and even small exposures can cause kidney failure. Poinsettia, holly and mistletoe can cause stomach upset or worse. Tinsel and ribbon can cause serious intestinal blockages in cats, and chewed ornaments, light cords and batteries create choking and injury risks.
Keep guests in the loop
Ask visitors not to share table scraps and to keep medications, purses and bags out of reach. Give pets a quiet room with water and a comfortable bed.
If your pet eats something dangerous
Don't wait for symptoms. Call your vet, an emergency clinic or a poison helpline right away: the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 or Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 (fees may apply). Have the product, amount and your pet's weight ready. Don't induce vomiting unless a vet tells you to. If you need in-person care, find a nearby veterinarian.
FAQs
How soon will symptoms show after eating something toxic?
It varies. Some start within hours, others take days, so call even if your pet seems fine.
Can I reach a vet on a holiday?
Yes. Chat with a licensed vet on Waggle Vet on holidays, nights and weekends. Check current access and eligibility in the app.
Related reading
- Summer Pet Safety: Heatstroke, Paws, and Hydration
- Winter Pet Care: Cold-Weather Risks for Dogs and Cats
- What Belongs in Your Pet's Complete Health File
Waggle resources
Find nearby US veterinary clinics
Sources and further guidance
Sources checked October 13, 2026. These references inform the guidance; they do not mean the authors medically reviewed or endorsed this article.
Still have questions?
For non-emergency questions, explore Waggle Vet. Trouble breathing, collapse, suspected poisoning or other severe signs need immediate in-person emergency care—do not wait for an online chat.
Explore Waggle Vet
