The holiday season is a time of joy, celebration, and togetherness, but it also presents unique challenges for pet owners. Festive decorations, seasonal foods, cultural traditions, and increased activity around the home can all pose potential risks to your furry friends. By being proactive and informed, you can ensure your pets stay safe and happy during this special time of year.  

Note: If your pet is experiencing an emergency, remember Boundary Bay Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Hospital is open 24/7/365, including holidays and times when other vet clinics may be closed.  

As a VECCS Level 1 certified hospital, BBVSH is capable of handling even the most critical, life-threatening emergencies and trauma. With specialists on-staff and on-call, we are ready to handle any medical or surgical issue your pet may be experiencing. For more information, visit our emergencies page or call us at (604) 514-8383. 

Here’s a detailed guide on common holiday hazards to watch out for and tips to mitigate risks for your pets. 

Dangerous Foods

Holiday feasts often feature delicious foods that can be harmful—or even deadly—to pets.

• Chocolate: Contains theobromine, which is toxic to dogs and cats. 

• Grapes and Raisins: Even small amounts can lead to kidney failure in dogs. 

• Onions and Garlic: Harmful to pets, especially in large quantities, as they can cause anemia. 

• Fatty Foods: Can lead to pancreatitis in pets. 

• Alcohol: Extremely dangerous, causing vomiting, breathing issues, or even death. 

• Macadamia Nuts: Can cause weakness, vomiting, tremors, and hyperthermia (overheating) in dogs. 

• Xylitol: A sugar substitute found in candy, gum, and some baked goods, which can induce insulin release in dogs, leading to low blood sugar and liver damage. 

• Mince Pies & Christmas Puddings: Contain grapes, currants, sultanas, and raisins, all poisonous to dogs and potentially causing severe kidney failure. 

• Cheese: An occasional treat of cheese is acceptable, but some types, such as blue cheese, can produce toxins that cause rapid onset convulsions in dogs. 

Tips for safety: 

• Keep all holiday foods out of your pet’s reach and remind guests not to share table scraps or desserts. 

• Be vigilant about ingredients in baked goods and candies, especially those containing xylitol. 

• Inspect wrapped gifts under the tree, as they may contain toxic foods like chocolate or other harmful treats. Pets may tear into these packages, leading to accidental ingestion. 

• Only offer pet-safe treats when including your pets in celebrations. 

 Alcohol and Recreational Drugs

Parties and gatherings often include alcohol and, increasingly, recreational drugs, both of which are highly toxic to pets. 

• Alcohol: Even small amounts can cause vomiting, tremors, difficulty breathing, or coma. 

• Recreational Drugs: Marijuana, edibles, or synthetic cannabinoids can lead to severe symptoms, such as lethargy, vomiting, or neurological issues. 

Tips for safety: 

• Store alcohol, edibles, and recreational drugs securely, and promptly clean up spills or leftover glasses. 

• Keep pets away from smoke or vapor exposure. 

Note: More and more we see pets who have been exposed to illicit or recreational drugs, leading to severe health issues. Dr. Sheila Hoe, a veterinary critical care resident at Boundary Bay Veterinary Specialty Hospital, shared her experience of being exposed to fentanyl through one of her patients. This highlights the importance of being vigilant about substances your pets may come into contact with. Read more in our blog on fentanyl exposure. 

 Toxic Plants

Festive plants can brighten your home but may pose serious risks if ingested by pets.

• Poinsettias: Mildly toxic but can cause mouth irritation and stomach upset. 

• Holly and Mistletoe: Can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, and cardiovascular problems. 

• Lilies: Extremely toxic to cats, causing kidney failure. 

• Amaryllis and Ivy: Popular in holiday arrangements but harmful to pets. 

• Azaleas: Even small amounts can cause vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, and in severe cases, heart and nervous system issues. 

• Chrysanthemums: Common in seasonal floral arrangements, they can cause drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of coordination. 

• Evergreens and Juniper Berries: Evergreens and decorative branches of juniper can cause mild to moderate gastrointestinal upset if ingested. 

• Sharp Needles on Christmas Trees: Both real and artificial trees can shed sharp needles, which may cause mouth irritation or puncture the stomach lining if swallowed. 

Tips for safety: 

• Use pet-safe alternatives or artificial plants that are non-toxic. 

• Place toxic plants in areas inaccessible to pets, and clean up fallen leaves, berries, or needles promptly. 

• If you choose a real Christmas tree, vacuum regularly to remove dropped needles, and supervise pets around the tree to prevent chewing or ingestion. 

Decorations and Ornaments

Holiday decorations are beautiful but can tempt curious pets, leading to accidents and injuries.

• Christmas Trees: Pets may attempt to climb or chew on trees, leading to tipping hazards or ingestion of needles, which can cause gastrointestinal irritation or obstruction. 

• Tinsel and Ribbons: Cats are particularly drawn to tinsel and curling ribbons, which can cause intestinal blockages if swallowed. 

• Glass Ornaments: Fragile ornaments can break, leading to cuts on paws or mouths. If ingested, shards can cause internal injuries. 

• Edible Ornaments: Popcorn strings, candy canes, and gingerbread decorations may attract pets, leading to ingestion of harmful substances like sugar, artificial sweeteners, or small, indigestible parts. 

• Artificial Snow or Flocked Decorations: Artificial snow spray and flocking contain chemicals that can cause respiratory irritation or poisoning if licked or chewed. 

• Potpourri and Scented Décor: Some holiday potpourris contain essential oils or other substances that are toxic to pets if ingested or inhaled. 

• Advent Calendars: Calendars with chocolates or other treats can be irresistible to pets, leading to dangerous ingestion of chocolate, raisins, or other toxic items. 

• Wire Hooks for Ornaments: Metal hooks can easily fall off the tree and become a hazard if swallowed or stepped on. 

• Batteries: Button batteries or small batteries can cause chemical burns to the mouth or esophagus if ingested and chewing on them can release corrosive materials. 

• String Lights: Pets may chew on cords, leading to electric shocks or burns. Cats can become tangled in lights, risking injury or strangulation. 
• Candles and Menorahs: Keep away from pets and make sure any lit candles are always supervised. Ingestion can cause choking. And there is also a fire risk if your pet knocks a candle over.

Tips for safety: 

• Secure decorations, lights, and cords out of reach of pets. Tape down cords or cover them with protective tubing. 

• Opt for shatterproof ornaments and battery-operated candles to reduce risks. 

• Inspect string lights regularly for damage and unplug them when not in use. 

• Store batteries securely and keep them out of reach to prevent chewing or ingestion. 

Travel with Pets

Traveling during the holidays requires extra care to ensure your pet’s safety and compliance with regulations. 

• General Travel: Always use secure carriers or seatbelt harnesses and pack essentials like food, water, and medications. 

• Cross-Border Travel: If traveling from Canada to the U.S., ensure dogs have a valid rabies vaccination certificate per CDC guidelines. Cats do not require rabies vaccinations but should still have health records. 

• Air Travel: Confirm airline-specific pet policies in advance and check for breed or size restrictions. 

Tips for safety: Research travel requirements, keep pets secured, and never leave them unattended in vehicles. 

For detailed information on bringing your dog into the U.S., refer to our blog on the new CDC requirements. 

Ethylene Glycol (Antifreeze) Poisoning

Ethylene glycol, commonly found in antifreeze and de-icing products, is highly toxic to pets. Pets may be attracted to the sweet taste of antifreeze, but even a small amount can cause kidney failure.

• Symptoms: Lethargy, vomiting, incoordination, increased thirst, and urination. Without treatment, symptoms progress to kidney failure and can be fatal. 

• Sources: Antifreeze spills in garages or driveways, or de-icing solutions used during cold weather. 

Tips for safety: 

• Always clean up antifreeze spills immediately and store all antifreeze containers securely out of reach of pets. 

• Consider using pet-safe antifreeze products that contain a bittering agent to deter ingestion. 

Salt Poisoning

Excessive ingestion of salt can lead to salt poisoning, especially during winter when de-icing salts are used on sidewalks and roads. Pets may lick salt from their paws after walks. 

• Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, excessive thirst, seizures, and in severe cases, coma or death. 

• Sources: Rock salt, homemade salt dough ornaments, or salty human foods. 

Tips for safety: 

• Wipe your pet’s paws with a damp cloth after walks to remove salt residue. 

• Avoid using homemade salt dough decorations or keep them out of your pet’s reach. 

Stress and Anxiety

Unfamiliar guests, loud noises, and changes in routine can overwhelm pets, especially during celebrations like Diwali or Lunar New Year.

• Fireworks: Common during Diwali and New Year’s, these can cause extreme stress in pets. 

• Crowds: Large gatherings can lead to overstimulation or escape attempts. 

Tips for safety: 

• Create a quiet, secure space for your pet to retreat, and use calming aids like pheromone diffusers or anxiety wraps. 

• For pets with severe anxiety, consult your veterinarian for medication options. 

Plan in Advance 

Emergencies can happen at any time, and during the stress of an emergency, it can be difficult to remember information and where it can be found. Make sure you know how to get to your emergency veterinary clinic before an emergency occurs. 

• Check Hours: Your regular vet clinic may have reduced hours or closures during the holiday season. Find out where you would need to take your pet during an emergency. 

• Plan Your Route: Map out your travel route to the emergency clinic so you’re not trying to navigate while stressed. 

Boundary Bay Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Hospital is open 24/7/365, including holidays and times when other vet clinics may be closed. As a VECCS Level 1 certified hospital, BBVSH is capable of handling even the most critical, life-threatening emergencies and trauma. With specialists on-staff and on-call, we are ready to handle any medical or surgical issue your pet may be experiencing.  

For more information, visit our Emergencies page or call us at (604) 514-8383. 

Here are additional numbers you should keep in an easy-to-find location for emergencies: 

• Your veterinarian’s clinic phone number 

• 24-hour emergency poison hotlines: 

• 24/7 Animal Poison Control Center: 1-855-764-7661 

• ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC): 1-888-426-4435 (fees may apply) 

By planning ahead and keeping this information readily available, you can help ensure your pet receives prompt care in an emergency. 

Final Thoughts 

The holidays are a time to celebrate, but they also bring unique risks for pets. By identifying hazards and taking preventive measures, you can ensure the season remains joyous and safe for every member of your family—including your furry ones. 

Here’s to a safe and happy holiday season for you and your pets! 

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About Boundary Bay Veterinary Specialty Hospital

Boundary Bay Veterinary Specialty Hospital is a family owned, veterinary specialty and 24/7 emergency and critical care hospital in Surrey, BC, serving the Vancouver metro area and greater British Columbia. We have a sister hospital in Bellingham, Washington.

As a certified VECCS Level I facility and a Level II VetCOT Trauma Centre, we are capable of handling even the most critical, life-threatening emergencies and trauma, with board-certified specialists on staff and on-call to handle any medical or surgical issue.

Our board-certified specialists offer services in emergency and critical care, surgery, internal medicine, cardiology, neurology, oncology, dentistry, diagnostic imaging, and animal rehabilitation.