Common Holiday Hazards That Can Affect Our Pets

• Avoid Mistletoe, Holly, and Lilies - Mistletoe and Holly can cause GI disturbances. Lilies, while not toxic to dogs, can lead to irreversible kidney failure in cats.

• Avoid Tinsel - Tinsel can lead to a GI obstruction.

• Christmas trees - Secure Christmas trees so that they don’t fall over.

• Chocolates - Chocolates, particularly dark chocolates, can be toxic. Avoid leaving chocolate in a bag or on the counter where your dog can easily access it.

Google Chocolate Toxicity Calculator---Veterinary Merck Manual.

• Leftover holiday food - No food scraps for pets! Refrigerate leftovers immediately or dispose of them in a trash can with a secure lid. Ingestion of leftovers can lead to severe GI upset and pancreatitis.

• Food or gum sweetened with xylitol - Xylitol can lead to GI upset, ataxia, and seizures.

By Dr. Frank Lavac, MS, DVM

If you have any questions, you can always contact Dr. Lavac at 310-828-4587.