The holidays are a time for family, friends, and… food! But let’s be honest—our pets often treat the holidays like an all-you-can-eat buffet. If your furry friend sneaks a snack that isn’t pet-safe, here’s how to stay calm, identify the issue, and take action without panicking. In other words…
Oops, They Ate It! Now What?
First Things First: Don’t Panic
Take a deep breath. Pets have surprisingly resilient systems, and while some foods are risky, most situations are manageable. Start by identifying what they ate, how much, and when.
Check the Naughty List
Refer to your list of high-risk holiday foods like chocolate, onions, grapes, and cooked bones. If it’s something non-toxic—say, a piece of plain bread or mashed potatoes—your pet will likely be fine with a little extra water and a cozy tummy rub.
Naughty List - Recognizing Common Holiday Food Hazards
From turkey dinners to leftover pies, here are some foods to keep safely out of paws' reach:
Dangerous Foods: Alcohol, chocolate, onions, garlic, raisins, grapes, and xylitol (a sugar substitute) can be harmful. Even small amounts can make pets sick, so keep a list on your fridge for easy reference.
Surprisingly Risky Items: Bones, raw dough, moldy foods, and fatty scraps can also cause stomach upset or more serious issues.
If Your Pet Snags Something Dangerous: Steps to Stay Calm and Take Action
Here’s how to respond confidently if your pet sneaks something dangerous:
Identify the Food and Amount: Take note of what your pet ate and how much. This info will be helpful if you need to contact a vet.
Call for Help: Reach out to your vet, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, or the Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661) for guidance. They’ll advise you on the next steps.
Watch for Symptoms: Symptoms like vomiting, lethargy, or drooling can indicate trouble. If anything unusual happens, make a note to share with your vet.
Follow Treatment Instructions: Follow any instructions from your vet, which could range from monitoring at home to an immediate vet visit.
The “Pet Emergency Kit” – Just in Case
Even with the best intentions, accidents happen. Having a pet emergency kit can make a huge difference. Here’s what every pet owner should keep on hand:
Medical Records and Emergency Contacts: Keep your pet’s health records and contacts for your veterinarian, an emergency clinic, and the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435) in one place.
First Aid Essentials: Stock up with bandages, antiseptic wipes, hydrogen peroxide (use only if instructed by a vet), activated charcoal, and paw balm. Don’t forget disposable gloves, a flashlight, and a fluffy towel for comfort.
Stress Relief: Calming aids like Rescue Remedy drops or a few treats can help reassure your pet if they’re anxious after a mishap.
Staying Proactive: Preparing Your Own First Aid Kit
For the DIY types, here’s a quick list of essential items for a pet first aid kit:
Bandages and Gauze: For cuts or bleeding.
Antiseptic Wipes: Use pet-safe solutions like chlorhexidine.
Tweezers and Tick Remover: For splinters, ticks, or other small objects.
Thermometer and Petroleum Jelly: A pet thermometer for checking fevers (normal is 101– 102.5°F) and jelly for easy insertion.
Nail Trimmer and Styptic Powder: For nail emergencies or minor bleeding.
A calm approach to holiday pet safety keeps you prepared and helps ensure that your celebrations stay joyful—even if your pet dives into some unexpected snacks!
Bonus Words of Wisdom from our local Veterinarians at Plymouth Animal Hospital
Fatty food treats= GI upset.
Candy, cookies out on display= Dogs helping them selves= GI upset.
Busy houses with unfamiliar guests can= nervous dogs to act inappropriately such as nipping and house soiling.
Guests bring their own dogs= possible doggy fights(especially when humans are busy with visiting and not paying attention to stressed doggy body language.
-Secure the Christmas Tree
-Careful with placement of candles and wax-warmers
-Chocolate and candy, especially when wrapped as gifts and unknowingly placed under the tree
-Leftovers and cooked meat bones, both off the counter or from un-secured trash
-Salt dough used to make ornaments is very toxic
-Seasonal plants that are toxic, esp. poinsettias, holly, and mistletoe
-Exposed wires are a shock risk for curious pups and kitties that may chew on them
-Ribbon and tinsel can be deadly foreign bodies in cats
-Be careful of properly sized toys for dogs to avoid choking risks
Happy Holidays from Our Family, Including Our Furry Friends!
Wishing you all the best this holiday season, from our family and our beloved family pets to yours. 🎄🎁🐾
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