12 Day(ngers) of Christmas for your Pets

Date Posted: 12/03/2025

12 ‘dangers’ of Christmas for your pets

Christmas is approaching which is an exciting time for your pets and they can enjoy the festivities with you and your family (as well as joining in with festive fancy dress!). However, with lots of unusual things being brought into your home, as well as tempting foods, we see a huge increase in mischievous behaviour around Christmas. Here are the top 12 ‘day(ngers) of Christmas – and indeed winter, to be vigilant for.

1. Chocolate

Theobromine in chocolate can cause gastrointestinal signs, heart rhythm changes and seizures. It is one of the few toxins we can calculate a toxic dose for, so it is extremely important to keep wrappers and information about the quantity and type of chocolate your pet has ingested.

2. Raisins, sultanas and grapes

Often in festive treats (e.g. Christmas cake, pudding and mince pies, panettones) can cause acute kidney injury which can be deadly.

3. Antifreeze

Antifreeze has a very sweet taste and smell so is highly palatable to pets, especially cats. Even a very small quantity ingested can be fatal due to significant kidney damage. Ensure this is not left lying around and any spillages thoroughly cleaned up.

4. Medications

With lots of family and friends visiting it can be easy to lose track of human and animal medications and supplements which can be appealing treats for pets. It is important to find out how many and keep hold of any packaging/information which comes with it.

5. Alliums

Not specifically festive but often seen more at this time of year, onions, garlic and leeks, used especially in gravy and stuffing can cause issues. These can cause gastrointestinal upsets and red blood cell damage, leading to anaemia.

6. Tinsel, ribbon and other decorations

These can be very appealing ‘toys’ to pets, particularly kittens and puppies and can cause life-threatening intestinal blockages.

7. Packaging

Whilst pets can sometimes be ‘helpful’ to unwrap presents with, ensure they do not consume paper, stuffing or packaging materials as these too can cause blockages.

8. Festive plants

Plants including poinsettia, holly, ivy, mistletoe and Christmas trees can cause mild and usually self-limiting symptoms if eaten or chewed.

9. Toys and batteries

Often left lying around these can cause obstructions and batteries can cause chemical burns and poisoning if chewed or eaten.

10. Blue cheese

Contains ‘roquefortine C’ from fungi, which dogs are sensitive too. Also, it’s high fat content, alongside other cheeses and rich food, can cause potentially serous pancreatitis.

11. Nuts

Large nuts and shells can cause gastrointestinal upsets. Macadamia nuts are particularly toxic to dogs causing vomiting, weakness, tremors, dullness and high temperatures.

12. Xylitol

A common sweetener in many treats but if eaten by our pets it can cause rapid and dangerously low blood sugar leading to collapse, seizures and latterly liver failure.

We wish you a happy and healthy festive period for you and your pets. If you have any concerns with your pets at all over the festive period don’t forget we provide 24hr emergency cover for our clients.