Mince pies, chocolate, lilies and cooked bones: the Christmas foods, plants and decorations that are dangerous to pets, and what to do if yours eats something.
Quick answer: the biggest Christmas dangers for pets are chocolate, grapes and raisins (including mince pies, Christmas pudding and Christmas cake), onions and garlic (stuffing and gravy), cooked bones, xylitol in sugar-free sweets, alcohol, macadamia nuts, and for cats, lilies. If you think your pet has eaten something harmful, call your vet or an out-of-hours emergency vet straight away. Don't wait for symptoms.
Christmas is a wonderful time to share with pets, but busy kitchens, overflowing tables and new decorations bring risks. Here is what to watch out for.
Christmas foods that are dangerous to dogs and cats
Chocolate
Chocolate contains theobromine, which dogs and cats cannot process well. Dark and cooking chocolate are the most dangerous, but milk chocolate can still make pets ill. Watch out for chocolate tree decorations, selection boxes under the tree and advent calendars within nose reach. Pet-safe "chocolate" treats are made without cocoa.
Grapes, raisins, sultanas and currants
These can cause kidney failure in dogs, and even small amounts can be dangerous. That makes mince pies, Christmas pudding, Christmas cake, stollen and fruit-filled panettone a serious risk.
Onions, garlic, leeks and chives
All members of the allium family can damage red blood cells in dogs and cats. Sage and onion stuffing, gravy, and leftovers cooked with onion or garlic should never be shared.
Cooked bones
Cooked turkey, chicken and other bones can splinter and cause choking, internal injuries or blockages. Keep the carcass well out of reach, and take the bin out promptly.
Xylitol (birch sugar)
This sweetener is found in some sugar-free sweets, chewing gum, baking products and even some peanut butters. It is extremely toxic to dogs, causing a rapid drop in blood sugar and potentially liver failure.
Alcohol
Even small amounts can be dangerous for pets. Watch for unattended glasses, and remember that rich fruit cakes and puddings are often soaked in alcohol as well.
Macadamia nuts and blue cheese
Macadamia nuts can cause weakness and tremors in dogs. Mouldy foods and some blue cheeses can contain substances harmful to dogs.
Fatty leftovers
Turkey skin, pigs in blankets, fat trimmings and rich gravy can trigger stomach upsets and pancreatitis, which is very painful and can be serious.
Christmas plants that are dangerous to pets
- Lilies: extremely toxic to cats. Every part, including the pollen and the water in the vase, can cause kidney failure. Ask florists to leave lilies out of bouquets if you have a cat.
- Mistletoe and holly: can cause stomach upsets, and the berries are the most risky part.
- Poinsettia: the sap can irritate the mouth and stomach, causing drooling or vomiting, though it is usually mild.
- Ivy and amaryllis: both can cause stomach upsets if chewed.
- Christmas tree needles: pine needles can irritate the mouth and stomach, and the water in the tree stand may contain preservatives.
Decorations and gifts
- Tinsel and ribbon: especially tempting to cats, and can cause dangerous intestinal blockages if swallowed.
- Glass baubles: can shatter and cut paws or mouths. Hang them higher up and use shatterproof decorations lower down.
- Fairy lights and cables: chewing cables can cause burns or electric shocks. Tidy them away or use cable covers.
- Batteries: button batteries in toys and gadgets can cause severe internal burns if swallowed.
- Silica gel sachets and wrapping: keep them away from curious mouths.
- Salt dough decorations: homemade salt dough ornaments are high in salt and can cause salt poisoning if eaten. Hang them high up, and if you make salt dough paw prints, keep them out of reach once baked.
Keeping Christmas calm
Visitors, noise and changed routines can be stressful. Give your pet a quiet room with their bed, water and toys where they can retreat. Keep their walk and meal times as normal as possible. A new toy or a long-lasting chew can keep them busy while you cook. If your house is full on New Year's Eve, see our guides to calming dogs and cats during fireworks.
What to do if your pet eats something dangerous
- Remove any remaining food or plant material.
- Note what was eaten, roughly how much, and when.
- Call your vet immediately. Over Christmas, check your vet's out-of-hours arrangements in advance and save the number in your phone.
- Don't try to make your pet sick unless a vet tells you to.
- Take the packaging with you if you go to the vet.
Safe Christmas treats for pets
A little plain, boneless, skinless turkey breast, or plain cooked carrot or green beans, is usually fine for dogs in small amounts. For a special treat, use pet-safe treats or bake your own dog biscuits with a silicone treat mould. Always introduce new foods in small quantities.
Frequently asked questions
Can dogs eat mince pies?
No. Mince pies contain raisins, sultanas and currants, which can cause kidney failure in dogs.
Can dogs eat turkey?
A small amount of plain, cooked, boneless turkey breast without skin, gravy or stuffing is usually fine. Never give cooked bones.
Are Christmas trees poisonous to cats?
Real Christmas trees are mildly toxic. The needles can upset the stomach and the water in the stand may contain chemicals. Cover the stand and sweep up fallen needles regularly.
Wishing you and your pets a safe and happy Christmas from all of us at Pawkeep. Looking for presents? See Christmas presents for dogs and gifts for cat lovers.