“Don’t Eat That!” Common Holiday Foods That Are Dangerous for Pets

The holidays are a time for festive feasts, joy, and gathering with loved ones, including our furry family members. But amid the hustle and bustle, it’s easy to overlook the fact that many holiday foods can be dangerous—even deadly—for our pets. While you’re busy preparing meals or sharing snacks, it’s important to be aware of what your pets might get their paws (or mouths) into.

At PetCerts.com, we know that Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) and Psychiatric Service Dogs (PSDs) play a vital role in providing comfort and support. Keeping them safe during the holidays ensures they can continue to be by your side when you need them most. Below, we’ll discuss some common holiday foods that can be harmful to pets and share a few tips to keep your celebrations pet-friendly.

1. Chocolate

Chocolate is a holiday staple, showing up in desserts, cookies, candies, and even decorations. Unfortunately, it contains theobromine, which is toxic to both dogs and cats. Dark chocolate and unsweetened baking chocolate are especially dangerous due to their high theobromine content.

Symptoms of chocolate poisoning: Vomiting, diarrhea, rapid heart rate, tremors, and seizures.

Tip: Store chocolates out of reach, and remind guests not to share sweets with your pets.

2. Grapes and Raisins

Whether in stuffing, fruitcake, or as snacks, grapes and raisins are surprisingly toxic to dogs and can lead to kidney failure. Even small amounts can cause severe reactions.

Symptoms of grape or raisin poisoning: Lethargy, loss of appetite, vomiting, and abdominal pain.

Tip: Keep foods containing grapes or raisins off your pet’s radar, and clean up dropped food quickly.

3. Onions, Garlic, and Other Alliums

Onions, garlic, and other allium vegetables (like leeks and chives) are commonly found in holiday dishes such as stuffing, gravies, and casseroles. These ingredients can damage a pet’s red blood cells, leading to anemia.

Symptoms of allium poisoning: Weakness, pale gums, vomiting, and breathlessness.

Tip: Avoid feeding pets anything with onion or garlic powder, and remind guests not to sneak them table scraps.

4. Cooked Bones

It might seem natural to give your pet a bone, but cooked bones—especially from turkey, chicken, or ham—can splinter and cause choking, blockages, or tears in the digestive tract.

Tip: Instead of bones, offer pet-safe chew toys or treats to keep your furry friend busy while you enjoy your meal.

5. Xylitol (Artificial Sweetener)

Xylitol is a sugar substitute found in sugar-free baked goods, candies, and even some peanut butters. It’s extremely toxic to dogs, as it can cause a sudden drop in blood sugar and liver failure.

Symptoms of xylitol poisoning: Weakness, vomiting, seizures, and collapse.

Tip: Always check ingredient labels before sharing any human food, and keep sugar-free treats out of reach.

6. Alcohol

From festive cocktails to desserts soaked in liquor, alcohol is often present during holiday gatherings. Even small amounts of alcohol can be dangerous to pets, causing severe intoxication.

Symptoms of alcohol poisoning: Vomiting, incoordination, drowsiness, and in severe cases, respiratory failure.

Tip: Never leave drinks unattended, and be cautious with food or sauces containing alcohol.

7. Fatty Foods

Rich, fatty foods like turkey skin, gravy, and butter-laden dishes can lead to pancreatitis, a painful and potentially life-threatening condition for pets.

Symptoms of pancreatitis: Vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and lethargy.

Tip: Keep greasy leftovers away from pets, and resist the urge to give them fatty table scraps.

Keeping Your ESA or PSD Safe During the Holidays

Your pet’s health and safety are a top priority—especially when they play a role as an Emotional Support Animal (ESA) or Psychiatric Service Dog (PSD). ESAs provide critical emotional support for individuals managing mental health conditions, while PSDs perform specific tasks to assist their owners in times of need. During the busy holiday season, maintaining your pet’s well-being allows them to continue supporting you when it matters most.

Quick Holiday Pet Safety Tips:

• Inform your guests about foods that are unsafe for pets.

• Provide your pets with a quiet, secure space if gatherings become overwhelming.

• Ensure garbage cans are secured to prevent pets from digging into leftovers.

• Stick to pet-safe treats and toys to make them feel included in the festivities.

If you rely on your ESA or PSD, ensuring they stay healthy and happy during the holidays is essential. Remember, you can always visit PetCerts.com to get an ESA or PSD letter that aligns with federal guidelines, helping you maintain your pet’s vital role in your life year-round.

The holidays are about celebrating with those we love, including our pets. By being mindful of what foods they can and can’t eat, you can avoid potential emergencies and keep the season stress-free. Protecting your pet’s health allows them to be the reliable, loving companions you count on—whether they’re just a family member or your official ESA or PSD.

From all of us at PetCerts.com, we wish you and your furry friends a safe, happy, and healthy holiday season!