Veterinarians share holiday pet hazards and tips

Amid Thanksgiving and the holiday season, veterinarians with Thrive Pet Healthcare throughout the US shared emergency room (ER) stories of patients during the holidays. The stories range from cats eating tinsel to dogs eating half a pound of chocolate.

“Holiday sparkle, rich food and packed parties may be fun for humans, but for pets, they can spell trouble,” said Thrive in a news report.¹

Tinsel, ribbons, and ornaments can pose serious risks for cats and dogs alike. These decorations may appear appetizing to pets, leading to intestinal blockages and injuries or creating a choking hazard.

Tinsel, Brittany King, DVM, an emergency veterinarian at Thrive Pet Healthcare Specialists in Mansfield, Texas, shared the story of a cat who landed a trip to the ER after eating tinsel on a Christmas tree and getting an intestinal blockage. The cat exhibited vomiting, and x-rays revealed the blockage. According to King, surgery to remove the tinsel revealed a long strand of tinsel that was tangled in cat’s intestines.

“Thankfully, the curious kitty made a full recovery and was back to batting ornaments and napping under the tree, supervised this time,” said King.¹

Tip 1: To help keep pets safe, Thrive recommends buying shatterproof ornaments and avoiding tinsel. Flameless candles and cord management can also help prevent burns and electrical shocks from lights and wires, the organization said.¹

Dogs also have a history of eating things they should not. According to Aaron Weiner, DVM, another emergency veterinarian at Tampa Bay Veterinary Specialists and Emergency Care Center in Largo, Florida, an English Bulldog once visited the ER after eating large Christmas lights, including the wires.

“On the x-ray, we could clearly see the intact bulbs in his stomach," Weiner said.¹ "We induced vomiting and, luckily, he brought them all up without needing surgery. It was one of the more memorable holiday cases I've seen."

Tip 2: Make sure lights and cords are fastened down and kept where pets can’t reach them. Anything that sparkles, shines, or makes noise is likely to attract a curious animal, Thrive emphasized.

At Capital Veterinary Specialists Jax in Jacksonville, Florida, Mayra Apolo, DVM, saw a case of another dog—a Pitbull mix—who ingested Christmas ornaments. According to Thrive, the dog passed glitter in his stool for a week.

“He was sparkling from the inside out," said Apolo said in the Thrive report.¹ "It might sound funny, but he needed a couple of days in the hospital on [intravenous] fluids to make sure nothing serious was happening. Thankfully, he didn't need surgery and got to go home and enjoy the rest of his holiday. This was a good reminder that even something as innocent-looking as a festive decoration can become dangerous."

Tip 3: Call a veterinarian or Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661) immediately if a pet shows signs indicating they may have ingested something harmful. Signs can include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or a lack of appetite. Thrive advises taking early action and not waiting for symptoms to appear if it is believed a pet may have ingested something they shouldn’t have.

In Torrence, California, a 4-year-old Boxer named Rocky ate at least a half of pound of chocolate and had to spend 24 hours in the ER. “[Rocky’s] family came home to unwrapped Christmas presents and an empty box of chocolates," Cindy Hong, DVM, who works at Thrive Pet Healthcare Urgent Care in Torrance, said in a news report.¹ "We induced vomiting, and about a half pound of chocolate came back up. He clearly had a sweet tooth. Thankfully, his family brought him in right away to get the care he needed. Rocky was doing great the next day after an overnight stay at a 24-hour ER, but it could've ended very differently. Chocolate and dogs don't mix!"

Chocolate is toxic to both dogs and cats and can lead to an increased heart rate and blood pressure, agitation, tremors, and seizures.² Other symptoms include increased thirst and urination. Dogs and cats can take several hours to show clinical signs of chocolate poisoning, with symptoms potentially lasting for several days.²

Other toxic foods to pets include xylitol—which is used in gum and sugar-free sweets—cooked bones, grapes, raisins, onions, and alcohol.¹ These foods may be more common during the holidays, posing a potentially greater risk to pets during the holiday season.

Tip 4: To include pets in the festivities, offer them safe choices such as plain turkey, green beans, sweet potatoes, or designated pet treats.

Safeguarding the emotional wellbeing of pets

Loud sounds, unfamiliar people, and overstimulation or movement can cause anxiety or lead to behavioral problems in pets. Preparing a calm, comfortable room with soft music and a favorite toy, chew, or blanket before guests arrive can help protect pets’ emotional wellbeing. If the pet chooses to join the festivities, Thrive recommends ensuring there is a safe place they can retreat to if they begin feeling overwhelmed. “Supervise interactions with young children who may not know how to handle pets appropriately. Ask guests not to feed your pet,” Thrive added.¹

Pets struggling with severe anxiety can be prescribed medication under veterinary supervision. Owners should consult their veterinarian in advance.

Lastly, when planning a trip pet owners should evaluate their pet’s temperament and the safety of their destination. Some homes may not be well-suited for pets and resident animals may react territorially to visiting pets. “A boarding facility or pet sitter may be a better fit than bringing your pet into an unfamiliar or high-stress environment,” concluded Thrive.

References

1. Holiday Chaos Through the Eyes of ER and Urgent Care Veterinarians. News release. Thrive Pet Healthcare. November 19, 2025. Accessed November 24, 2025. https://prnmedia.prnewswire.com/news-releases/holiday-chaos-through-the-eyes-of-er-and-urgent-care-veterinarians-302619526.html
2. Schmid R. Chocolate Poisoning in Dogs. VCA Animal Hospitals. Accessed November 24, 2025. https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/chocolate-poisoning-in-dogs#:~:text=Yes%2C%20chocolate%20is%20toxic%20to,can%20result%20in%20significant%20illness.