The holiday season is a time for celebration, family gatherings, and festive traditions. But for our dogs and cats, the holidays can introduce a surprising number of dangers — from toxic table scraps and poisonous plants to tangled tinsel and thundering fireworks. Every year, veterinary emergency rooms see a sharp spike in pet-related incidents during the holiday months, and many of those emergencies are entirely preventable.

Whether you are a first-time pet owner or a seasoned animal lover, understanding the specific risks your pets face during the holidays is the single best thing you can do to keep them safe. This guide covers the most common holiday hazards for dogs and cats and gives you practical, actionable steps to protect your four-legged family members throughout the season.

Dangerous Holiday Foods for Dogs and Cats

Holiday feasts are one of the biggest sources of pet emergencies each year. Many common holiday ingredients are toxic to dogs and cats, and well-meaning guests who slip a “treat” under the table can cause serious harm without realizing it.

Foods to keep away from your pets include:

• Chocolate: Especially dark and baking chocolate, which contain high levels of theobromine — a compound that dogs and cats cannot metabolize safely. Even small amounts can cause vomiting, seizures, and heart failure.
• Grapes and raisins: Found in holiday fruitcakes, stuffings, and cheese boards. Grapes and raisins can cause acute kidney failure in dogs, and the toxic dose varies unpredictably between individual animals.
• Onions and garlic: Present in gravies, stuffings, and casseroles. Both onions and garlic damage red blood cells in dogs and cats, leading to anemia. Cats are especially sensitive.
• Xylitol (birch sugar): An artificial sweetener found in sugar-free candies, gum, baked goods, and even some peanut butters. Xylitol causes a rapid drop in blood sugar and liver failure in dogs.
• Cooked bones: Turkey and ham bones splinter when cooked and can puncture a dog’s digestive tract or cause dangerous blockages.
• Alcohol: Beer, wine, cocktails, and even rum-soaked desserts are toxic to pets. Dogs and cats are far more sensitive to alcohol than humans, and even small amounts can cause vomiting, disorientation, and respiratory failure.
• Fatty foods: Rich holiday dishes, butter, gravy, and meat drippings can trigger pancreatitis — a painful and potentially life-threatening inflammation of the pancreas.
• Macadamia nuts: Toxic to dogs and commonly found in holiday cookies and gift baskets. Symptoms include weakness, vomiting, tremors, and hyperthermia.

The safest approach is to establish a firm “no people food” rule for the holidays and communicate it clearly to every guest in your home. Keep trash cans secured with lids, and clean up plates and scraps promptly after meals. If you want to include your pet in the holiday feast, offer them a small portion of plain, cooked turkey breast or a pet-safe treat instead. For more detail on what dogs can and cannot eat, explore our guides in the dog breeds directory, where each breed profile includes dietary considerations.

Toxic Holiday Plants: Poinsettia, Mistletoe, and Holly

Holiday plants are staples of seasonal decor, but several popular varieties pose real risks to curious dogs and cats who chew on leaves or berries.

• Poinsettia: Often called the most dangerous holiday plant, poinsettias are actually only mildly toxic. The milky sap can irritate the mouth, stomach, and skin, causing drooling, vomiting, and mild discomfort. While rarely life-threatening, poinsettias should still be kept out of reach of pets who are prone to chewing.
• Mistletoe: Far more dangerous than poinsettias. Mistletoe — particularly American mistletoe — contains toxalbumin and pharatoxin viscumin, which can cause severe gastrointestinal distress, difficulty breathing, a sudden drop in blood pressure, and in rare cases, seizures or death. All parts of the plant are toxic, but the berries are the most dangerous.
• Holly: Holly berries and leaves contain saponins, which cause vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, and abdominal pain when ingested. While holly poisoning is rarely fatal, it can cause significant discomfort and dehydration, especially in small dogs and cats.
• Lilies: Easter lilies and other true lilies are sometimes used in holiday arrangements and are extremely toxic to cats. Even a small amount of pollen, a single leaf, or water from the vase can cause fatal kidney failure in cats within 24 to 72 hours.
• Amaryllis: A popular holiday gift plant, amaryllis contains lycorine and other alkaloids that cause vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and tremors in both dogs and cats.

The simplest solution is to use artificial versions of these plants or place real ones in areas your pets cannot access — high shelves, closed rooms, or hanging planters well above jumping height. If you suspect your pet has ingested any part of a toxic plant, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Decoration Hazards: Tinsel, Ornaments, and Lights

Holiday decorations transform your home into a wonderland — and, from your pet’s perspective, into an irresistible playground filled with shiny, dangling, and chewable objects.

Tinsel is one of the most dangerous decorations for cats. Cats are naturally attracted to the shimmering, string-like strands, and if swallowed, tinsel can wrap around the base of the tongue or bunch in the intestines, creating a linear foreign body obstruction. This is a surgical emergency that can be fatal if not treated promptly. If you have cats, the safest choice is to skip tinsel entirely.

Glass ornaments are fragile and can shatter when knocked off a tree by a curious paw or wagging tail. Broken shards can cut paw pads, mouths, and digestive tracts. Use shatterproof ornaments on lower branches, and hang delicate glass ornaments higher on the tree where pets cannot reach them.

Electrical lights and cords are a chewing hazard, particularly for puppies and kittens. Chewing through a live wire can cause electrical burns to the mouth, pulmonary edema (fluid in the lungs), and cardiac arrest. Secure cords along walls, use cord covers or bitter-tasting deterrent sprays, and unplug decorations when you are not home to supervise.

Christmas tree water is another overlooked danger. Stagnant water in a tree stand can harbor bacteria, mold, and dissolved fertilizers or preservatives that cause vomiting and diarrhea if a pet drinks from it. Cover the tree stand opening or use a covered reservoir.

Candle Safety Around Pets

Candles are a holiday tradition, but they are an open flame in a home shared with animals who have fur and tails. Dogs can knock candles off tables with a sweep of their tail, and cats are notorious for jumping onto surfaces where candles are burning. The result can be singed whiskers, burned paws, or a house fire.

Beyond the fire risk, many scented candles release volatile organic compounds and synthetic fragrances that can irritate your pet’s respiratory system. Cats are especially sensitive to airborne chemicals because of their smaller lungs and efficient grooming habits — they ingest anything that settles on their fur.

To keep pets safe around candles:

• Use flameless LED candles whenever possible — they provide the same warm glow without the risk.
• If you burn real candles, place them on high, stable surfaces that pets cannot reach or knock over.
• Never leave a burning candle unattended in a room with pets.
• Choose unscented or naturally scented soy or beeswax candles over heavily fragranced paraffin varieties.
• Keep candles away from curtains, tree branches, and any surface where a pet might brush against them.

Holiday Stress in Dogs and Cats

The holidays disrupt routines, fill homes with unfamiliar guests, and introduce new sounds, smells, and visual stimuli that can overwhelm sensitive pets. Stress in dogs and cats is not just a behavioral issue — chronic or intense stress weakens the immune system, exacerbates existing health conditions, and can trigger destructive or aggressive behaviors.

Signs of holiday stress in pets include:

• Hiding, cowering, or withdrawing from family activities
• Excessive barking, whining, or meowing
• Loss of appetite or refusal to eat
• Panting, pacing, or restlessness (especially in dogs)
• Inappropriate urination or defecation
• Over-grooming or scratching (especially in cats)

To minimize stress, maintain your pet’s regular feeding, walking, and sleeping schedule as closely as possible throughout the holiday season. Provide a quiet, comfortable “safe room” where your pet can retreat when the house is full of guests. Make sure this room has fresh water, bedding, toys, and — for cats — a clean litter box. Introduce new people gradually and calmly, and never force a frightened animal to interact with guests.

If you are considering adding a new pet to the family during the holidays, we encourage you to visit our adoption page after the festivities have calmed down. A quieter home environment gives a new dog or cat the best possible start.

Fireworks and Loud Noises

New Year’s Eve, the Fourth of July, and other holiday celebrations often include fireworks, firecrackers, and other loud noises that terrify many dogs and cats. Noise phobia is one of the most common behavioral conditions in dogs, and the sudden, unpredictable booms of fireworks can trigger panic, escape attempts, and injury.

More pets go missing during fireworks holidays than at any other time of year. Dogs bolt through open doors, jump fences, and break through screens in a blind panic. Cats hide in dangerous locations or flee outdoors and become disoriented.

Steps to protect your pet during fireworks:

• Keep all dogs and cats indoors well before fireworks begin.
• Close windows, draw curtains, and turn on a television or white noise machine to mask the sound.
• Create a safe, enclosed space — a bathroom, closet, or interior room — where your pet can feel secure.
• Make sure your pet’s microchip information and ID tags are current. If your pet escapes, up-to-date identification is the fastest path to reunion.
• Consider a calming vest, pheromone diffuser, or veterinarian-prescribed anti-anxiety medication for pets with severe noise phobia.
• Never take your dog to a fireworks display. The noise, crowds, and flashing lights are overwhelming for even the calmest animals.

Travel Considerations for Pets During the Holidays

Whether you are driving across the state or flying across the country, traveling with a pet during the holidays requires planning. Rushed, last-minute travel arrangements are a major source of pet stress and safety incidents.

If you are traveling with your pet:

• Car travel: Use a crash-tested crate or a pet-specific seat belt harness. Never let a dog ride unrestrained in a moving vehicle, and never let a pet ride with its head out the window. Bring water, a portable bowl, waste bags, and any medications your pet needs.
• Air travel: Check airline pet policies well in advance. Small dogs and cats may fly in-cabin in an approved carrier, while larger dogs may need to travel in cargo — which carries additional risks, especially in extreme temperatures. Consult your veterinarian about whether your specific pet is healthy enough for air travel.
• Pet sitters and boarding: If you cannot bring your pet, arrange for a trusted pet sitter or reputable boarding facility well before the holiday rush. Provide detailed instructions about feeding, medications, emergency contacts, and your pet’s behavioral needs.

No matter how you travel, make sure your pet is microchipped and wearing a collar with current ID tags. Bring a recent photo of your pet on your phone in case you need to create a lost-pet alert quickly. For breed-specific travel temperament information, our dog breeds directory can help you understand how your dog is likely to handle the journey.

Safe Holiday Gift Ideas for Pets

Including your pet in the gift-giving tradition is one of the best parts of the holiday season — as long as the gifts are safe and appropriate. Here are ideas that dogs and cats will genuinely enjoy:

• Interactive puzzle toys: Treat-dispensing puzzles and snuffle mats provide mental stimulation and keep pets occupied during busy holiday gatherings.
• Durable chew toys: Choose size-appropriate, non-toxic chew toys made from natural rubber or nylon. Avoid toys with small parts that can be swallowed or choked on.
• New bedding: A plush, washable pet bed gives your dog or cat a cozy retreat during the hectic holiday season.
• Catnip toys and scratching posts: Most cats respond enthusiastically to catnip-infused toys, and a new scratching post can redirect scratching away from holiday furniture arrangements.
• Pet-safe treats: Look for treats with short, recognizable ingredient lists. Avoid anything containing xylitol, artificial colors, or excessive salt and sugar.
• A donation in their name: Consider donating to a rescue organization like Walk Me Home Rescue. Your pet may not unwrap the gift, but you will be helping animals in need find their forever homes.

Avoid giving pets rawhide chews, small plastic toys, ribbon, yarn, or anything with batteries. All of these are ingestion or choking hazards. If you are gifting a pet to someone else this holiday, please think carefully — a living animal is a long-term commitment, not a surprise. If the timing is right, encourage the recipient to browse our adoptable pets when they are ready.

Emergency Veterinary Information

Even with the best precautions, emergencies happen. Knowing where to turn — and having the information ready before you need it — can save your pet’s life.

Keep the following numbers saved in your phone and posted somewhere visible in your home:

• Your regular veterinarian’s number and holiday hours. Many clinics have reduced hours or closures during the holidays, so check their schedule in advance.
• Your nearest 24-hour emergency veterinary hospital. Know the address and driving route before an emergency occurs. Do not rely on finding it under stress.
• ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: (888) 426-4435. Available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. A consultation fee may apply.
• Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661. Another 24/7 resource staffed by veterinary toxicologists.

Prepare a basic pet first-aid kit that includes gauze, adhesive tape, hydrogen peroxide (for inducing vomiting only under veterinary guidance), a digital thermometer, and a blanket. Keep your pet’s medical records, vaccination history, and a list of current medications in an accessible location. If you are traveling, bring copies of these documents with you.

When in doubt, call your veterinarian. It is always better to make an unnecessary phone call than to wait and risk a treatable condition becoming a fatal one.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most dangerous holiday food for dogs?

Chocolate — particularly dark chocolate and baking chocolate — is the most commonly reported holiday food toxicity in dogs. However, xylitol (found in sugar-free products) and grapes or raisins are equally dangerous and can cause organ failure in very small amounts. Cooked bones are also a major risk because they splinter and can perforate the digestive tract.

Are poinsettias really toxic to cats?

Poinsettias are only mildly toxic to cats. The milky sap can cause irritation to the mouth and stomach, resulting in drooling and mild vomiting, but serious poisoning from poinsettias is extremely rare. Mistletoe and lilies are far more dangerous holiday plants for cats. If you keep holiday plants in your home, lilies should be avoided entirely around cats.

How can I keep my cat away from the Christmas tree?

Secure the tree to the wall or ceiling with fishing line to prevent tipping. Skip tinsel entirely — it is a life-threatening ingestion hazard for cats. Place fragile ornaments on upper branches only. Use a tree skirt or barrier around the base to deter climbing, and consider placing citrus peels or a citrus-scented spray near the tree, as most cats dislike the smell.

What should I do if my dog eats chocolate during a holiday party?

Note the type of chocolate, the approximate amount consumed, and your dog’s weight. Call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 immediately. Do not induce vomiting unless specifically instructed to do so by a veterinary professional. Time is critical — the sooner treatment begins, the better the outcome.

How do I calm my dog during fireworks?

Bring your dog indoors well before fireworks start. Close windows and curtains, and play calming music or white noise to muffle the sound. Provide a safe, enclosed space like a crate covered with a blanket or an interior bathroom. A calming vest or pheromone diffuser may help. For dogs with severe noise phobia, talk to your veterinarian about prescription anti-anxiety medication before the holiday arrives.

Is it a good idea to adopt a pet as a holiday gift?

Adopting a pet is a wonderful decision, but the holiday season is not the ideal time to bring a new animal home. The noise, chaos, and disrupted routines of the holidays can make the transition much harder for a new dog or cat. A better approach is to give a “promise to adopt” card or gift certificate and then visit our adoption page together in January when your home has returned to normal.