5 Holiday Foods That Are Toxic to Pets (And How to Keep Them Safe)

The holidays are a time for family, friends, and—of course—delicious food! While we enjoy indulging in festive treats, it's important to remember that many foods we love can be dangerous, or even toxic, to our pets. As much as they might give you those big puppy-dog eyes or try to sneak a taste, certain holiday foods can lead to serious health issues for your furry friends.

Here are 5 common holiday foods to keep away from your pets to ensure they stay safe and healthy this season:

1. Chocolate (Especially Dark Chocolate)

We all know that chocolate is a big no-no for pets, but during the holidays, it’s often more tempting and accessible. Chocolate contains theobromine, a substance that dogs and cats can't metabolize properly. Dark chocolate and baking chocolate are especially dangerous as they contain higher levels of theobromine.

Symptoms of poisoning: Vomiting, diarrhea, increased heart rate, tremors, or seizures.

What to do: If your pet eats chocolate, contact your vet immediately, especially if they’ve consumed a significant amount.

2. Grapes and Raisins

Grapes and raisins are a holiday favorite in fruitcakes, snacks, and even salads—but they can be extremely toxic to dogs. Even small amounts can cause kidney failure, and the exact cause of toxicity is still unknown.

Symptoms of poisoning: Vomiting, lethargy, loss of appetite, or abdominal pain.

What to do: If your dog eats grapes or raisins, take them to the vet right away, even if no symptoms are showing.

3. Alcohol

It's easy for pets to sneak a sip of that unattended glass of wine or beer at holiday parties. Unfortunately, alcohol can be extremely harmful to pets, even in small amounts. It can cause severe central nervous system depression, respiratory failure, and even death in extreme cases.

Symptoms of poisoning: Vomiting, uncoordinated movements, decreased heart rate, and even coma.

What to do: If your pet consumes alcohol, call your vet immediately. It's best to keep drinks and alcohol out of their reach at all times.

4. Onions, Garlic, and Chives

These foods, often found in festive dishes, can be toxic to both dogs and cats. They contain compounds that damage red blood cells, leading to anemia. Even small amounts can be harmful, especially when consumed over time.

Symptoms of poisoning: Weakness, lethargy, reduced appetite, and abnormal urine color.

What to do: Keep all onion, garlic, and chive-containing foods away from pets. If your pet eats any, contact your vet for advice.

5. Xylitol 

Xylitol, a sweetener commonly found in sugar-free gum, candies, and baked goods, is highly toxic to dogs. It causes a rapid release of insulin, leading to dangerously low blood sugar levels, and can result in liver failure.

Symptoms of poisoning: Vomiting, loss of coordination, seizures, or even liver failure.

What to do: If your dog ingests anything containing xylitol, get them to a vet immediately, as this is a medical emergency.

4. Macadamia Nuts

Macadamia nuts are often used in cookies, snack mixes, and holiday desserts, but they are highly toxic to dogs. The exact mechanism is unknown, but even small amounts of macadamia nuts can cause poisoning in dogs.

Symptoms of poisoning: Weakness, vomiting, tremors, and elevated body temperature.

5. Dough (Uncooked)

Holiday baking often includes raw dough, and while it might seem harmless, uncooked dough (especially yeast dough) can be dangerous. When ingested, it can expand in your dog’s stomach and cause painful bloating or even rupture. Additionally, yeast can ferment in the stomach, leading to alcohol poisoning.

Symptoms of poisoning: Vomiting, bloating, abdominal pain, and lethargy.

Keep Your Pets Safe and Enjoy the Season!

The holidays are a special time for making memories, but it's important to keep your pets safe from harmful foods and stressful situations. By being mindful of what your pets can and can't have, and taking the time to introduce a new pet carefully, you can make sure everyone has a happy, healthy holiday season.

If you're ever unsure whether a food is safe for your pet or need help with pet introductions, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Lakeshore Road Animal Hospital. We're here to help!