Thanksgiving and Christmas
Foods, plants, and decorations that commonly cause trouble for dogs and cats this time of year. This is a starting point from published veterinary sources, not a complete list and not a diagnosis. When in doubt, call a poison helpline or a 24/7 ER.
The ASPCA and the AVMA both recommend keeping pets on their usual diet during the holidays. A small piece of boneless, fully cooked turkey is generally described as a fine treat, but many of the foods around it are not.
The AVMA says table scraps — including gravy, sauces, dressing, and meat or poultry fat or skin — can be hard to digest and can cause pancreatitis. Bones can cause choking or an intestinal blockage, and the ASPCA notes that poultry bones can be a major choking hazard. If you share a bite of turkey, both groups say it should be boneless and fully cooked. Raw or undercooked turkey may carry salmonella.
Onions and garlic show up in stuffing, gravies, and casseroles. The ASPCA lists onions, garlic, and related alliums as toxic to pets; they can damage red blood cells and lead to anemia. See the onions and garlic entry in the toxin checker.
These can cause kidney failure in dogs, even in small amounts. They turn up in stuffing, fruitcakes, cookies, and trail-mix bowls. Look up grapes and raisins if you think your pet got into any.
The ASPCA says chocolate can cause vomiting, diarrhea, panting, thirst, hyperactivity, abnormal heart rhythm, tremors, seizures, and even death. Dark and baking chocolate are more dangerous, but the AVMA says it is safest to treat all chocolate as off limits. Coffee, tea, and espresso leftovers are a related risk. See chocolate and caffeine.
The ASPCA says xylitol can cause low blood sugar, liver damage, or death. The AVMA has linked it to liver failure and death in dogs. It is common in sugar-free candy, baked goods, gum, and some nut butters. See xylitol.
The ASPCA says raw yeast bread dough can expand in the stomach, causing bloating, and the ethanol it produces can be absorbed and lead to drunkenness and other serious effects. The AVMA also warns of painful gas and potentially dangerous bloating. Keep rising dough and batter out of reach; raw eggs can also carry salmonella.
Alcohol itself — including beer, wine, cocktails, and leftovers such as eggnog — is also dangerous. See alcohol and yeast dough.
Macadamia nuts are toxic to dogs and sometimes appear in holiday cookies and nut bowls. See macadamia nuts.
The ASPCA says bouillon cubes used for stocks and gravy are very high in sodium and can lead to gastrointestinal problems and even seizures. Salt-dough ornaments, even when dry, can cause life-threatening electrolyte imbalances if eaten.
Empty the trash often. Bones, chocolate, onions, and other leftovers in an open can are a common way pets get into trouble.
The most dangerous holiday plant for cats. The ASPCA and Pet Poison Helpline say true lilies and daylilies can cause kidney failure in cats. Even pollen on fur, or a small nibble, is treated as an emergency. These often appear in holiday bouquets. See lilies.
The ASPCA says mistletoe can cause gastrointestinal upset and, in rare cases, cardiovascular problems. Pet Poison Helpline notes that a small amount usually causes mild stomach upset, while a large ingestion can affect the heart and blood pressure. Stores sometimes replace real berries with plastic ones, which can cause an intestinal blockage if swallowed.
Holly can cause gastrointestinal upset. Pet Poison Helpline says the berries are considered the most toxic part, and the spiny leaves can injure the mouth. The Merck Veterinary Manual lists abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea after ingestion of a couple of berries; death is described as rare, but a call is still warranted if your pet ate some.
A persistent myth says poinsettias are highly toxic. The ASPCA and Pet Poison Helpline say they usually cause only mild to moderate gastrointestinal irritation (drooling, vomiting, sometimes diarrhea). Serious poisoning is rare. Still keep the plant out of reach, and call if a lot was eaten or your pet is unwell.
A common forced bulb around Christmas. Pet Poison Helpline says eating leaves or flowers often causes vomiting, drooling, and diarrhea. The bulb is more toxic and, in larger amounts, can cause weakness, tremors, seizures, and blood-pressure changes. The AVMA also lists amaryllis among holiday plants that can be dangerous if eaten. (Amaryllis is not a “true” lily.)
The ASPCA says tree water can grow bacteria that cause nausea, diarrhea, or stomach upset, and it should be covered or kept out of reach. The AVMA advises against adding preservatives or other products to the water if you have pets, because additives can be hazardous if swallowed. Pet Poison Helpline says swallowing needles can irritate the mouth and stomach; a large amount can obstruct or, rarely, perforate the gut.
Secure the tree so it cannot tip if a pet climbs or plays with the ornaments.
The ASPCA and the AVMA both warn that swallowed tinsel or ribbons can obstruct the digestive tract, cause severe vomiting and dehydration, and may require surgery — especially in cats. Breakable ornaments can cut the mouth or gut. Salt-dough ornaments can cause salt toxicity.
Chewed cords can burn or shock a pet. Punctured batteries can burn the mouth and esophagus. Never leave a pet alone with a lit candle or oil lamp (AVMA).
The ASPCA says some snow globes are made with ethylene glycol, the same chemical used in antifreeze, which is highly toxic. If one breaks, clean it up thoroughly and keep pets away. See antifreeze (ethylene glycol).
The AVMA says liquid potpourris contain essential oils and other ingredients that can severely damage a pet’s mouth, eyes, and skin. Holiday guests also often leave human medications in bags or on nightstands; those are a common poisoning risk. See essential oils and the medication entries in the toxin checker.
The ASPCA and the AVMA say a small piece of boneless, fully cooked turkey can be a fine treat, but they recommend keeping pets on their usual diet when you can. Do not give poultry bones, which can choke a pet or splinter, and keep skin, fat, gravy, and stuffing away from pets. Those richer leftovers can be hard to digest and can cause pancreatitis. Onions, garlic, raisins, and other toxic ingredients often hide in holiday dishes.
Usually not. The ASPCA and Pet Poison Helpline say poinsettias typically cause only mild to moderate gastrointestinal irritation, such as drooling or vomiting, and that serious poisoning is rare. It is still wise to keep the plant out of reach and to call a poison helpline or a veterinarian if a large amount was eaten or your pet is unwell. Lilies, by contrast, can cause kidney failure in cats and should be treated as an emergency.
Call ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 or Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 (both 24/7; a consultation fee may apply) and go to a 24/7 ER if they advise it, or if your pet is already in distress. Do not give home remedies or try to make your pet vomit unless a veterinarian or poison expert tells you to. You can look up many common items on https://vetsopentoday.com/pet-toxin-checker.html.
Facts on this page are summarized from publicly posted guidance. When sources disagree on a detail, we stay conservative and tell you to call. This list is not complete.
Last checked against these sources on November 13, 2026. If your pet needs to be seen, use the urgent care or ER checklist and the city list.
