It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and what makes it more special is that we get to spend Christmas with our pets. But amidst the decorations, food, and gatherings, Christmas can pose a few hidden dangers for pets. We want to help you enjoy the holidays with peace of mind. Here’s our guide to the most common seasonal hazards and how to keep your furry family members safe.

Top Christmas danger for pets

1. Tempting but toxic Christmas foods

Probably the most common Christmas dangers for pets come in the form of delicious foods. Easily accessible, often left unattended during the busy festivities, and can be found in everyday festive foods.

Chocolate
Delicious for us, dangerous for pets. Chocolate contains theobromine, which can cause vomiting, restlessness, tremors, and even seizures in dogs and cats. The darker the chocolate, the more dangerous it is. 

Grapes, raisins & sultanas
All found on our cheese boards, in mince pies, Christmas cake and pudding, stollen, pannettone, you name it! Even small amounts can cause kidney failure in dogs. That means our sweet treats are off limits for our pets. 

Onions, garlic & leeks
These can damage red blood cells and lead to anaemia. Many festive dishes contain them — including gravy and stuffing — so be mindful of plate scraps and unattended counters.

Xylitol (found in sugar-free treats)
This sweetener can cause a dangerous drop in blood sugar and liver failure, particularly in dogs.

Fatty leftovers
Turkey skin, crackling, a mixture of fatty meat, and even goose fat roasties – these rich foods may lead to vomiting, diarrhoea or pancreatitis. If you’d like your pet to join the celebration, consider a ‘pet safe’ bowl of lean and plain meats with pet-safe veggies, such as carrots. Remember, no turkey bones! They commonly splinter and can cause internal tears, blockage and serious damage. 

2. Decorations & presents

Christmas trees
Many pets find trees irresistible. Climbing cats, in particular, with those sparkly baubles and twinking lights, can send a tree toppling over. If you can, keep those glass baubles up high, away from wagging tails! 

Baubles, tinsel & ribbons
Sparkly, shiny, and great fun… until they get swallowed. These can cause intestinal blockages — sadly, an emergency which is more common than you may think at this time of year. If you have cats, you may want to avoid using tinsel and ensure that pets aren’t left unsupervised with those beautifully wrapped gifts. 

Christmas lights
If you have a pet that likes to chew, a cat, dog or even a small furry, be sure to be mindful of wire access. Chewing wires can lead to electric shocks or burns. Cable covers are available, and you can also turn lights off when you’re not around.

3. Seasonal plants

Poinsettia
This is toxic to pets and, if ingested or chewed, can cause drooling and vomiting. 

Holly & mistletoe
Berries and leaves can cause stomach upset or more serious issues if eaten. 

Lilies
Extremely dangerous for cats in particular. Even tiny amounts — a nibble of a leaf, or pollen on fur — can cause kidney failure. Best avoided entirely in cat-owning homes.

4. Christmas stress – Not all the Christmas dangers for pets are physical.

Sometimes the hustle and bustle of Christmas — visitors, parties, changes in routine — can be stressful for pets, too.

• Create a quiet, cosy retreat away from noise and excitement for your pets. Their bed, perhaps a familiar blanket and toy will help them feel safe away from the noise. 
• Keep routines (walks, feeding times) as consistent as possible so pets are able to have some stability. 
• Consider calming pheromone diffusers or anxiety support products if your pet is easily stressed.
• If you’re travelling, make sure pets are microchipped and that details are up to date.
• Finally, if you are hosting or visiting loved ones, be sure that (children in particular) they are aware of when pets need their space. 

5. Cold Weather Considerations

We may be feeling a little hopeful for a white Christmas, but even the frost can bring a few challenges. 

Antifreeze
Even small amounts of this can be deadly to pets. Most commonly, antifreeze is ingested after a pet walks through a spill and later licks their paws during grooming. Be sure any spills are cleaned up thoroughly, and that antifreeze is stored safely away. 

Salt & grit
Paw pads can become sore after walking on treated paths and roads. It is also toxic if your pet ingests it. It is good practice to give your pets’ paws a rinse after their walk to prevent irritation or potential ingestion. 

Festive candles & fireplaces
Not specific to Christmas, but we often have more fires and candles lit at this time of year. Open flames, such as on a candle, can lead to burns or singed whiskers. Similarly, long waggy tails can easily and innocently come into contact with a candle and set alight, so be mindful of where they’re located. 

What to do in an emergency

If you suspect your pet has eaten something harmful or is showing unusual symptoms (vomiting, lethargy, shaking, drooling, difficulty breathing), contact your vet immediately. Fast intervention and treatment make a huge difference.

For emergency treatment outside of working hours, please call Medivet 24 Hour Dorchester on 01305 262913. As a client of ours, you can also utilise your complimentary VidiVet access to seek professional veterinary advice if you have any questions or concerns whilst we are closed. 

From all of us at Newton Clarke, we wish you a warm, safe, and very merry Christmas.