Veterinarians share holiday pet hazards and tips

“On the x-ray, we could clearly see the intact bulbs in his stomach,” Weiner said.¹ “We induced vomiting and, luckily, he brought them all up without needing surgery. It was one of the more memorable holiday cases I’ve seen.”

Tip 2: Make sure lights and cords are fastened down and kept where pets can’t reach them. Anything that sparkles, shines, or makes noise is likely to attract a curious animal, Thrive emphasized.

At Capital Veterinary Specialists Jax in Jacksonville, Florida, Mayra Apolo, DVM, saw a case of another dog—a Pitbull mix—who ingested Christmas ornaments. According to Thrive, the dog passed glitter in his stool for a week.

“He was sparkling from the inside out,” said Apolo said in the Thrive report.¹ “It might sound funny, but he needed a couple of days in the hospital on [intravenous] fluids to make sure nothing serious was happening. Thankfully, he didn’t need surgery and got to go home and enjoy the rest of his holiday. This was a good reminder that even something as innocent-looking as a festive decoration can become dangerous.”

Tip 3: Call a veterinarian or Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661) immediately if a pet shows signs indicating they may have ingested something harmful. Signs can include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or a lack of appetite. Thrive advises taking early action and not waiting for symptoms to appear if it is believed a pet may have ingested something they shouldn’t have.

In Torrence, California, a 4-year-old Boxer named Rocky ate at least a half of pound of chocolate and had to spend 24 hours in the ER. “[Rocky’s] family came home to unwrapped Christmas presents and an empty box of chocolates,” Cindy Hong, DVM, who works at Thrive Pet Healthcare Urgent Care in Torrance, said in a news report.¹ “We induced vomiting, and about a half pound of chocolate came back up. He clearly had a sweet tooth. Thankfully, his family brought him in right away to get the care he needed. Rocky was doing great the next day after an overnight stay at a 24-hour ER, but it could’ve ended very differently. Chocolate and dogs don’t mix!”

Chocolate is toxic to both dogs and cats and can lead to an increased heart rate and blood pressure, agitation, tremors, and seizures.² Other symptoms include increased thirst and urination. Dogs and cats can take several hours to show clinical signs of chocolate poisoning, with symptoms potentially lasting for several days.²

Other toxic foods to pets include xylitol—which is used in gum and sugar-free sweets—cooked bones, grapes, raisins, onions, and alcohol.¹ These foods may be more common during the holidays, posing a potentially greater risk to pets during the holiday season.

Tip 4: To include pets in the festivities, offer them safe choices such as plain turkey, green beans, sweet potatoes, or designated pet treats.

Safeguarding the emotional wellbeing of pets

Loud sounds, unfamiliar people, and overstimulation or movement can cause anxiety or lead to behavioral problems in pets. Preparing a calm, comfortable room with soft music and a favorite toy, chew, or blanket before guests arrive can help protect pets’ emotional wellbeing. If the pet chooses to join the festivities, Thrive recommends ensuring there is a safe place they can retreat to if they begin feeling overwhelmed. “Supervise interactions with young children who may not know how to handle pets appropriately. Ask guests not to feed your pet,” Thrive added.¹

Pets struggling with severe anxiety can be prescribed medication under veterinary supervision. Owners should consult their veterinarian in advance.

Lastly, when planning a trip pet owners should evaluate their pet’s temperament and the safety of their destination. Some homes may not be well-suited for pets and resident animals may react territorially to visiting pets. “A boarding facility or pet sitter may be a better fit than bringing your pet into an unfamiliar or high-stress environment,” concluded Thrive.

References

1. Holiday Chaos Through the Eyes of ER and Urgent Care Veterinarians. News release. Thrive Pet Healthcare. November 19, 2025. Accessed November 24, 2025. https://prnmedia.prnewswire.com/news-releases/holiday-chaos-through-the-eyes-of-er-and-urgent-care-veterinarians-302619526.html
2. Schmid R. Chocolate Poisoning in Dogs. VCA Animal Hospitals. Accessed November 24, 2025.