Enjoying the Holidays with Our Furry Friends
- Rebecca Belt
- Nov 18, 2024
- 2 min read
As the year is coming to an end, many of us are celebrating holidays. Food will be piled high on tables, and presents will be wrapped and placed in areas of the house. Plants may also brought into the house that are a holiday special.
While these times are filled with joy and laughter, I would like to take a brief moment to inform you, reader, about some things to look out for to ensure you and your family members stay safe (including those with four legs, fur, and tails). I will list the things your pets can have, as well as some items that our furry friends should avoid. You and your family can still enjoy all of the following items, but if they are inside your home, it would be best to limit your pet's access to them to avoid an unwanted vet trip.
DISCLAIMER. I am not a veterinarian, nor am I an animal health specialist. I will be referencing many different sources and leaving their links at the bottom of this post. If your pet does consume any of the items on the things to avoid, please get in touch with your local veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Their Phone Number is: (888) 426-4435
Possible Holiday Plants to AVOID access to
Amaryllis
Autumn Crocuses
Hydrangeas
American Holly
Mistletoe
Lilies
Yew
English Ivy
Coleus
Cyclamens
Christmas Rose
Christmas Tree Water
Jerusalem Cherry
African Violets
Poinsettias (While only mildly toxic, they can still cause upset stomach and oral and skin irritation)
Christmas Cactus (While not considered toxic, the fibrous leaves can irritate cats and dogs and cause upset stomachs)
Plants To Enjoy With Your Pet
Speak to your vet about the following plants to ensure your pet can enjoy them this holiday season.
Basil
Rosemary
German Chamomile
Dill
Creeping Thyme
Fennel
Possible Holiday Food to AVOID Sharing
Some are unsafe, while others are unhealthy for our furry friends.
Turkey bones, skin, and gravy
Chicken bones, skin, and gravy
Stuffing
Casseroles
Mashed potatoes
Creamed peas
Chocolate, cookies, pies, and sweets (as well as anything "sugar-free" or containing xylitol, which can be very toxic to dogs)
Alcoholic beverages
Raisins and grapes
Onions, scallions, and garlic
Ham
Yeast dough
Fatty foods
Foods containing spices
Macadamia nuts and walnuts
Holiday Food to Share
Speak to your vet about the following foods to ensure your pet can enjoy them this holiday season. All the following can be given to your dog in moderation as long as they do not contain seasonings.
Sweet Potatoes
Applesauce
Carrots
Pumpkin
Chicken meat
Turkey meat
Certain types of fish (Salmon, ocean whitefish, lake whitefish, herring, walleye, flounder, and Arctic char)
Boiled eggs
Brisket (Small amounts)
Decorations to AVOID access to
Candles or fireplaces (Wagging tail + Open fire = disaster)
Potpourri
Ribbons, strings, twine, and tinsel
String lights
Faux flowers, leaves, gourds, and ornamental corn cobs
Ornaments & broken ornaments
Batteries
Salt-dough ornaments
Snow globes
Electrical Cords
Instead of the decorations previously listed, there are many holiday-themed dog toys that you can give to your pet. That way they can enjoy the holidays as well!
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