1. Chocolate, Xylitol & Rich Holiday Foods
Chocolate, sugar-free sweeteners (xylitol), fatty meats, onions, garlic, and alcohol are all toxic to pets and commonly left within reach during holidays.
There are many food items at the holidays that are dangerous for our pets.
Chocolate is toxic and will involve your dog getting their stomach pumped. One Christmas my parents bought a ½ pound Hershey’s Kiss for someone and left it on the guestrooms bed. They closed the door, so they thought. But came home to the silver wrapper in the hall. Upon looking saw that the two dogs had gotten into the Kiss! Snoopy a cockapoo and Mitzy a toy puddle was rushed to the vets where they were given a charcoal stomach pump, fluids and a night away at the vets. These two smelled so badly when they came home! There was no bath that helped. The smell of rotten chocolate oozed from their pores. They were hence known as Snickers and Mars bar.
 Sugar-Free Sweeteners are also something that will make them very very ill and involves an emergency vet run. Some of the culprits are Xylitol, Birch Sugar and a new one Bocha Sweet. Read labels and be aware.
 Something else that is in a lot of Christmas cookies and cooking is Cream of Tartar. Cream of Tartar is used in Snickerdoodles, Shortbread cookies to name a couple. The reason Cream of Tartar is so dangerous is that is made from grapes. We all know that grapes will make dogs and cats very ill.
 Fats are not processed the same as humans. Rich fatty foods will give them digestive upset and that is the last thing you need on your festive floors.
Onions, cooked and raw are toxic. Garlic is not toxic and can be given in small does but it should not be given regularly. It should only be administered as a health supplement. Â
 Alcohol, we all have seen someone or on video give an animal alcohol and think it’s funny. But it something that is toxic and can do a lot of damage to the pet’s liver and kidneys. Just abstain from giving them any in any form.
2. Toxic Holiday Plants
Plants like lilies, poinsettias, holly, mistletoe, and amaryllis can cause serious reactions if chewed or ingested.
 All animals experience their surroundings by scent. These are new and exciting in their home so they will go check them out. All are poisonous to dogs when chewed and ingested. If you are so inclined to have a beautiful poinsettia for the festive time of year please make sure it is off the floor and out of their reach.
3. Tinsel, Ribbons & Wrapping Materials
Shiny tinsel, ribbon, bows, and string can cause dangerous intestinal blockages if swallowed.
 There is not a cat out there that will not take a paw swipe at a shiny ball or the shiny tinsel. Even if you put it up high on the tree it can and will fall. Tinsel is a death trap. Now bows, ribbon and string are all fun to play with however be present when they are playing with these. Make sure they are not ingesting any of them. The plastic ribbon (curling ribbon) and bows can shred and make their way through the intestinal track and cause internal cuts or worse blockages. Both will involve a surgery for our furry friend and a after Christmas bill you did not expect.
4. Christmas Tree Water
Tree water may contain preservatives, fertilizers, or bacteria that can cause stomach upset or poisoning if pets drink it.
There are ways to cover it or better yet find a way to place a fencing around the bottom of the tree. The trees have been treated with fertilizer to grow beautiful then they have been sprayed with preservatives that all infuse the water you place in the base to keep it looking great through the season. Not to mention we don’t dump the water out each time and clean the stand. So there is mold and bacteria that could harm the animal if consumed.
5. Glass Ornaments & Fragile Decorations
Broken ornaments can cause cuts to paws, mouths, and tongues. Shatterproof decorations are a safer choice.
 Don’t cats just love to play in our trees! Whether it be playing with the beautiful ornaments, the twinkle lights and the ribbons. All can lead to cut paws when they knock them off the tree and they bound joyfully to bat them around. I know many of us have childhood keepsakes and family heirloom ornaments, let’s keep them for future generations (and our memories) by placing them elsewhere or blocking off the room the tree is in or fencing off the tree from our pets.
6. Electrical Cords & Holiday Lights
Chewing cords can result in burns, electric shock, or internal injuries. Cords should be covered, secured, or blocked from access
 All I can say is National Lampoons Christmas Vacation when Aunt Bessie’s cat comes to visit. “Fried Pussycat”. If you haven’t seen it or need a refresher, I’ll post a quick clip-on Facebook or you can go stream the movie.
Believe it or not animals are attracted to the electromagnetic frequency of some light and cords. This is a good reminder to keep cords even phone charging cords out of their reach.
7. Candles, Fireplaces & Open Flames
Pets can easily knock over candles or get too close to fireplaces, leading to burns or fires.
 If you have fireplace with a real fire (remember I live in Arizona), then please make sure there is a fire screen or doors something to prevent the ambers from your floor. If it is moving and glowing dogs and cats WILL investigate and will end up with paw burns or worse their fur on fire.
8. Guests, Noise & Routine Disruptions
Large gatherings, loud music, and constant door activity can increase anxiety, fear, and stress-related behaviors in pets.
 On Day 5 we gave some suggestions to reduce their anxiety, free and stress. Please reach out to me if you need more tips.
9. Essential Oils Used Improperly
Some oils are unsafe for pets, and even pet-safe oils must be used correctly. Over-diffusing or using oils in closed spaces can cause respiratory distress.
As an Animal Aromatherapist I talk a lot about essential oils but for a quick refresher…
Not all oils are created equal. Over 80% of oils on the market are adulterated. Oils to avoid with dogs and cats are Birch, Wintergreen and Tea Tree. Oil to be used with caution (increase dilution) Cinnamon, Cassia, Oregano, Clove, Thyme and Rosemary.
When using around animals Dilute, Dilute Dilute!
Always allow the pet to leave the room if the scent is too strong or they don’t care for it.
Use a water based intermittent diffuser when using around animals.
Consult an Animal Aromatherapist when you are unsure to be safe.
You can get my Essential Oils Safety Guide for Pets Here and plan on attending on of my Free Webinars in 2026. Follow me on Facebook and Instagram to find out when those will be held. Get Oils Here.
10. Open Doors & Holiday Escapes
Frequent door opening increases the risk of pets slipping outside, becoming lost, or encountering cold weather dangers.
Dogs and cats seem to find the most inopportune times to sneak out of an open door or gate. You are caring in groceries and Christmas presents hoping the recipient isn’t around and those little rascals sneak right out. And if they are like mine, they RUN like the wind. FREEDOM and OH what Fun! For my two bichons it’s a game of chase. So don’t chase them. Grab the leash, treats and for me the car. They will come to someone to see if they can get treats or a ride. Santa Paws is bringing one of mine the FI Collar. It is a GPS enabled collar. Only one because she is the instigator and the other is trying to keep up. Also make sure they have their names with your numbers and someone else’s on their name tags. It can make the difference of getting them back.
Make sure your pets are chipped also. Many pet sitters and pet professionals have RFID chip readers to make sure they get back to their owners. This is a great time to make sure the information on file with whomever your’ s is registered with is up to date, if you have moved it might need to be checked.
đź’› Holiday Safety Reminder
A little preparation goes a long way. Creating a calm, pet-safe environment allows everyone — two-legged and four-legged — to enjoy the season safely.