The holidays are full of joy, lights, delicious smells, and family gatherings – but for dogs and cats, they can also be full of hidden dangers. As a Las Vegas & Henderson in-home veterinary team that specializes in compassionate end-of-life care, we’ve seen far too many emergency visits caused by preventable holiday hazards. Here are the most important pet safety tips to help your dog or cat enjoy a happy and healthy holiday season.
Dangerous Holiday Foods to Keep Out of Reach
Many classic holiday foods are toxic or harmful to pets:
- Chocolate – All types are dangerous; dark and baking chocolate are the worst. Even small amounts can cause vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, or death.
- Xylitol – Found in sugar-free gum, candy, peanut butter, and some baked goods. Causes life-threatening low blood sugar and liver failure in dogs.
- Grapes & raisins – Common in fruitcake and trail mix. Can trigger sudden kidney failure.
- Onions, garlic, chives, and leeks – In stuffing, gravy, and casseroles. Destroy red blood cells and cause anemia.
- Macadamia nuts – Often in cookies. Cause weakness, vomiting, and hyperthermia in dogs.
- Alcohol – Eggnog, cocktails, and even rising bread dough can intoxicate pets or cause dangerous bloating.
- Fatty trimmings & bones – Turkey skin and cooked bones can lead to severe pancreatitis or intestinal blockage.
Tip: Place all human food well out of counter-surfing range and remind guests not to share scraps “just this once.”
Hazardous Holiday Plants & Decorations
- Poinsettias, holly, mistletoe, and lilies – All toxic; lilies are especially deadly to cats (even small amounts cause acute kidney failure).
- Christmas trees – Pine needles can puncture intestines; tree water may contain harmful preservatives or bacteria.
- Tinsel & ribbon – Cats love to eat these “linear foreign bodies,” which can cause life-threatening intestinal blockages requiring emergency surgery.
- Ornaments, glass baubles, and hooks – Easily knocked off and broken, creating choking or laceration risks.
- Potpourri & essential oil diffusers – Liquid potpourri can burn the mouth; many essential oils (especially tea tree, cinnamon, and pine) are toxic to pets.
- Snow globes – Often contain antifreeze (ethylene glycol), which is sweet-tasting and fatal in tiny amounts.
- Candles & fire salts – Curious noses and tails can start fires or cause burns.
Electrical & Battery Dangers
- Chewed light strands can cause electrocution or burns.
- Button and lithium batteries (in toys, remotes, musical cards) cause severe chemical burns in the mouth and esophagus within minutes.
Stress & Escape Risks
Loud gatherings, new people, and open doors increase the chance of pets bolting. Make sure your pet is microchipped, wearing ID tags, and has a quiet “safe room” to retreat to when things get overwhelming.
Create a Pet-Safe Holiday Zone
Set up a quiet bedroom or crate with familiar bedding, water, and toys. A white-noise machine or calming pheromone diffuser (like Adaptil or Feliway) can help reduce anxiety.
By taking a few simple precautions, you can protect your pets from holiday hazards and focus on making joyful memories together.
If the worst does happen and your beloved companion needs emergency or end-of-life care during the holidays, Peace for Paws is here 7 days a week with gentle, in-home veterinary services throughout the Vegas metro area. We’re only a call away at 702-530-8262 when you need us most.
Wishing you and your four-legged family members a safe, healthy, and happy holiday season!