The holidays are a time for celebration — delicious meals, festive gatherings, and maybe a few too many cookies. But while you’re enjoying your favorite seasonal dishes, it’s important to remember that many human foods are toxic to pets. Each year, veterinary hospitals see a spike in emergency visits around the holidays, often due to pets sneaking a bite of something they shouldn’t. To help keep your furry family members safe, here are eleven common holiday foods that can lead to serious health issues — and sometimes a trip to the ER.

1. Chocolate

A favorite during the holidays, chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, both toxic to dogs and cats. Even a small piece can cause vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, or seizures, and darker chocolate poses an even greater risk. Keep candies, baked goods, and cocoa mix far from curious noses.

2. Grapes and Raisins

Grapes and raisins may seem harmless, but they can cause sudden kidney failure in dogs. Whether baked into cookies or sprinkled on a cheese board, even a few can be toxic. Symptoms like vomiting, lethargy, or changes in urination should never be ignored.

3. Onions and Garlic

These flavor boosters appear in countless holiday dishes — from gravy to stuffing — but they contain compounds that can damage a pet’s red blood cells, leading to anemia. Both raw and cooked forms are dangerous, as well as onion and garlic powder.

4. Sugar Free Gum or Candy (Xylitol)

This artificial sweetener is found in sugar-free gum, candy, and many baked goods. Even a small amount can cause a rapid drop in blood sugar and lead to liver failure in dogs. Always check ingredient lists before offering your pet a bite of dessert.

5. Macadamia Nuts

Often hidden in cookies and snack mixes, macadamia nuts can cause weakness, tremors, vomiting, and overheating in dogs. Avoid sharing any nut-based treats, and make sure bowls of nuts left out for guests aren’t accessible to pets.

6. Avocado

While a popular human food, avocado contains a compound called persin, which can lead to vomiting and diarrhea in dogs and cats. It’s best to skip sharing that guacamole or avocado toast altogether.

7. Alcohol

Even small sips of alcohol — whether from a cocktail, beer, or spiked dessert — can be toxic to pets. Alcohol can cause vomiting, disorientation, low blood sugar, and in severe cases, respiratory failure. Be sure to keep all drinks well out of reach.

8. Caffeine

Caffeine, found in coffee, tea, soda, and even chocolate, can cause restlessness, rapid heart rate, and tremors in pets. While your morning coffee may be a necessity, it’s not one you should share with your pet.

9. Yeast Dough

If you’re baking bread or rolls from scratch, keep unbaked dough away from your pets. Ingested yeast can expand in the stomach, leading to painful bloating and potentially dangerous fermentation, which can produce alcohol within the digestive system.

10. Bones

Cooked bones from turkey, chicken, or ham might seem like the perfect treat, but they can easily splinter and cause choking, internal injury, or digestive obstruction. Opt for vet-approved chew toys or dental treats instead.

11. Milk and Dairy Products

Despite the classic image of a cat lapping up milk, most cats are lactose intolerant. Milk and other dairy products can cause digestive upset, including diarrhea and discomfort, for both cats and some dogs.

The best way to avoid holiday pet hazards is to plan and resist those pleading eyes at the dinner table. Stick to their regular food and safe, vet-approved treats. If you suspect your pet has ingested something toxic, contact your veterinarian or an emergency animal hospital immediately — early action can make all the difference.

By keeping these foods off your pet’s menu, you can help ensure the season stays joyful and stress-free for everyone. A safe pet is a happy pet, and that’s something worth celebrating all year long. From all of us at Page Point Animal Hospital & Pet Resort, we wish you and your furry family members a warm, healthy, and wonderful holiday season.

Want more from the Page Point team?

Follow us on social for a behind-the-scenes look at life at our hospital and pet resort — plus pet care tips, educational posts, and plenty of adorable moments!”.