Save a trip to the vet ER this holiday season! Avoid these 6 hazards to keep your pets safe

A person pets a dog that has moose antlers on its head during a Canine Fashion Show with Christmas Costumes in Cuscatlan Park on Nov. 23, 2025 in San Salvador, El Salvador.

Many pet owners want to include their furry friends in the holiday festivities and explore heartwarming ways to demonstrate your love and appreciation. However, seasonal activities, food and decorations can also pose additional dangers to animals.

Leading veterinary service community Thrive Pet Healthcare warns pet owners of six dangers to avoid this holiday season, along with testimonies from veterinaries with lived experiences. In no particular order, here’s how to keep your fur baby safe throughout the festivities.

The sweet contains caffeine and theobrommine, two toxic components called methylxanthines. These stimulants are easily metabolized by humans but can wreak havoc on a pet’s body, according to the James L. Voss Veterinary Teaching Hospital at Colorado State University. A buildup can put a pet’s body into overdrive, overstimulating the heart and central nervous system. Darker chocolate tends to be more dangerous than milk chocolate.

Along with chocolate, pets should not be given cooked bones, grapes, raisins, onions, alcohol or xylitol (natural sugar alcohol found in gum and sugar-free treats).

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