Keeping Pets Safe During the Holidays: Expert Veterinary Advice

Holiday Food Dangers for Pets

• ⚠️ Avoid seasoned, sweet, and fattening foods for your pets, as these can cause significant health issues.
• 🦃 Foods like heavily seasoned turkey, stuffing, and mashed potatoes (with onions and garlic) are unsafe.
• 🍬 Sweet treats, including macadamia nuts, chocolate, and sugar-free desserts containing artificial sweeteners like xylitol, are toxic.
• 🧀 Fatty foods such as ham and mac and cheese can lead to pancreatitis.

Toxic Holiday Plants

• 🌿 Many common holiday plants can cause stomach upset, but some pose more serious risks.
• 🌸 Plants like poinsettias, holly, and mistletoe can cause significant reactions.
• ☠️ Lilies are particularly dangerous for cats; even the pollen can be toxic.

Managing Pet Stress During Gatherings

• 🏠 If your pet seeks a quiet space like a back room or under the bed, allow them to have their timeout.
• 👥 It's okay to give pets space and not force them to interact with new faces during gatherings.

Emergency Resources for Pet Owners

• 🆘 In case of a pet emergency, contact the ASPCA Pet Poison Helpline for toxicology information.
• 🏥 Local veterinary clinics, such as Heart of Chelsea Veterinary Group in NYC, offer emergency services and can be found via their website.