Top 5 Holiday Foods That Can Send Pets to the ER
Autumn brings cooler air, colorful leaves, and festive foods. But while fall is a favorite season for The holidays are full of family festivities, and, of course, food! But while you’re enjoying your favorite dishes, it’s important to remember that many popular holiday treats can be dangerous, or even toxic to pets. Every year, our teams at Animal Emergency Hospital Volusia, DeLand, and Palm Coast see an increase in emergency visits caused by pets getting into foods that just aren’t safe for them.
To help you keep your furry family members healthy this season, here are the top five holiday foods that can send pets to the emergency vet – and what to do if your pet eats something they shouldn’t.
1. Chocolate and Holiday Desserts
Chocolate tops the list of toxic foods for pets every holiday season. It contains theobromine and caffeine – two substances that dogs and cats can’t process effectively. Even small amounts can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, restlessness, tremors, or seizures. The darker the chocolate, the more dangerous it is.
Watch out for: brownies, chocolate truffles, candy bark, and desserts left unattended on counters or tables.
Pet safety tip: If your dog or cat eats chocolate, contact us right away. Bring the wrapper or packaging. It helps our ER team determine how much and what type of chocolate was eaten.
2. Fatty Meats and Pan Drippings
That juicy turkey skin or leftover ham fat might seem like a treat, but fatty foods can cause pancreatitis – a painful and potentially life-threatening condition. Pancreatitis leads to vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and loss of appetite. These symptoms can develop even from a small portion of greasy food.
Watch out for: turkey skin, ham trimmings, bacon grease, and gravy.
Pet safety tip: Skip the table scraps. Instead, offer a small piece of unseasoned, lean meat-or stick with treats made specifically for pets.
3. Onions, Garlic, and Seasonings
Many savory holiday dishes are made with ingredients that are toxic to pets. Onions, garlic, leeks, and chives can damage red blood cells and cause anemia in dogs and cats. Even powdered or cooked forms can be harmful, and seasonings high in salt or spices can upset your pet’s stomach.
Watch out for: stuffing, casseroles, mashed potatoes, and gravy.
Pet safety tip: Keep your pet’s plate simple and unseasoned-or better yet, avoid sharing human food altogether. We know – it’s hard – those eyes win us over every time – just play it safe.
4. Grapes, Raisins, and Baked Goods (and Unbaked – Yeast Dough)
Grapes and raisins are dangerous for dogs and can cause acute kidney failure. Even small amounts can lead to severe illness, and there’s no way to predict which pets will react. These ingredients are common in baked goods, fruitcakes, and charcuterie boards during the holidays.
Unbaked yeast dough poses another hazard-it can expand inside your pet’s stomach and produce alcohol as it ferments.
Watch out for: fruitcake, oatmeal raisin cookies, trail mixes, and snack boards.
Double watch out for: open cocktails, spiked punches, and raw bread dough
Pet safety tip: If your pet eats grapes or raisins or unbaked rolls, bread, or desserts, call us immediately – don’t wait for symptoms to develop.
5. Alcohol and Edibles
From eggnog and mulled wine to festive cocktails, alcohol is a big part of many celebrations, but it’s extremely toxic to pets. Even a small amount can cause vomiting, disorientation, low blood sugar, or a dangerous drop in body temperature.
Pet safety tip: Keep all alcohol well out of reach (and edibles), and watch pets closely in the kitchen and around guests.
When to Call for Emergency Pet Care
If you believe your pet has eaten something toxic, don’t wait for symptoms to appear – time is critical. Contact your regular veterinarian or a 24-hour animal emergency hospital immediately.
Bring any packaging or ingredient lists with you to help the medical team identify what your pet ingested.
Common signs of food toxicity include:
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Drooling or pawing at the mouth
- Weakness or lethargy
- Restlessness or shaking
- Loss of balance or seizures
If you notice any of these symptoms, seek emergency veterinary care right away.
Keeping the Holidays Safe and Stress-Free
The best holiday memories are the ones spent with loved ones-including your pets. By keeping harmful foods out of reach and reminding guests not to share table scraps, you can help your furry family members stay healthy and happy all season long.
If your pet does get into trouble, our experienced teams at Animal Emergency Hospital Volusia and Animal Emergency Hospital DeLand are here to help 24/7. We provide emergency pet care for Volusia, Flagler, Lake, and Seminole counties. Call us anytime if your pet needs help this holiday season.
Wishing you the best,
Dr. Diane Johnson
