Christmas is a time for celebration, but the holiday season introduces many hazards to our pets. As your trusted veterinary team, we want to help you keep your furry family members safe, happy and healthy this festive season.
The Naughty List: Toxic Foods to Avoid
While a little nibble may seem harmless, many traditional Christmas treats are toxic or highly dangerous for pets.
Chocolate: Contains Theobromine, which is toxic. Keep all sweets, especially those left under the tree, well out of reach.
Grapes, Sultanas, Currants: Found in Christmas puddings, cakes, and fruit mince pies. These are highly toxic and can cause acute kidney failure. Even small amounts are dangerous so be sure to secure all baked goods out of reach.
Cooked Bones: Bones (especially turkey or ham) can splinter, causing internal punctures or obstructions that often require surgery. Discard cooked bones immediately and securely.
Xylitol: A sweetener often found in sugar-free candies and baking products. This is highly toxic, causing liver failure and severe drops in blood sugar. Check ingredient labels on all sweets and treats.
High-Fat Foods: Rich gravy, ham fat and skin can cause severe stomach upset (vomiting/diarrhoea) or trigger pancreatitis, which can be life-threatening. Stick to pet-safe treats only and remember, no “people food” scraps.
Deck the Halls Safely: Decoration Hazards
Beautiful decorations can be tempting toys for curious pets.
- Presents and Wrapping: Ribbons, string and tinsel are ingestion hazards, especially for cats. They can cause a linear foreign body obstruction in the intestines, requiring emergency surgery. Keep gift wrapping supplies and wrapped presents out of reach.
- Christmas Tree: Secure your tree firmly to prevent tipping (which can injure pets). Keep water for real trees inaccessible, as it can contain bacteria and fertiliser.
- Ornament Safety: Breakable glass ornaments can cause cuts. Place these high up and avoid small, easily swallowed decorations.
- Batteries: Found in remote controls or novelty toys. When chewed or swallowed, batteries can cause severe chemical burns in the mouth and throat.
Toxic Plants (Beyond the Poinsettia)
While Poinsettias often get a bad rap (causing mild stomach upset), some other festive plants pose greater danger:
- Lilies: Highly are toxic to cats—ingestion of any part (pollen, leaves, water) can cause acute kidney failure. Keep lilies completely out of a cat household!
- Holly and Mistletoe: These contain toxins that can cause severe gastrointestinal upset, drooling and cardiac issues.
- Pine Needles: The sharp needles from real Christmas trees can irritate the digestive tract if ingested.
Have a Plan!
In the event of an emergency, being prepared saves time and lives!
- Know the number and location of your nearest after-hours emergency vet clinic.
SASH Adelaide: (08) 8133 5300
Roseworthy Veterinary Hospital: (08) 8313 1999
Emergency Vet Adelaide (EVA): (08) 8121 3030
- Keep the number for the Animal Poisons Helpline handy (1300 869 738).
We wish you and your whole family (two and four-legged!) a safe and wonderful Christmas. If you suspect your pet has eaten something dangerous, please contact us immediately on 08 8318 1801.
