Christmas plants
| Plant | Safety | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Poinsettias | Mildly toxic cats · Mildly toxic dogs | Its reputation is worse than reality: mild mouth irritation and vomiting. |
| Holly | Mildly toxic cats · Mildly toxic dogs | Berries and spiky leaves upset the stomach. |
| Mistletoe | Toxic cats · Toxic dogs | More concerning in larger amounts; keep it hung high. |
| Amaryllis | Toxic cats · Toxic dogs | Bulbs are the most toxic part. |
| Lilies | Highly toxic cats · Non-toxic dogs | Common in holiday bouquets and deadly to cats. |
| Christmas Cactus | Non-toxic cats · Non-toxic dogs | A safe choice for pet homes. |
| Christmas Trees | Mildly toxic cats · Mildly toxic dogs | Mild irritation; needles and tree water are the main issues. |
Christmas foods
| Item | Safety | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Chocolate | Toxic | Advent calendars, chocolate coins and gifts under the tree are a classic Christmas poisoning. |
| Fruitcake, mince pies and Christmas pudding | Toxic | Raisins, currants and sultanas can cause kidney failure; often contain alcohol too. |
| Macadamia Nuts | Toxic | Common in holiday cookies. |
| Ham | Caution | Salty and fatty; ham bones splinter. |
| Eggnog and alcohol | Toxic | Alcohol, plus nutmeg and sugar. |
| Sugar-free baked goods and candy | Toxic | Check for xylitol. |
Decorations and gifts
| Item | Safety | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Tinsel, ribbon and string | Dangerous for cats | Can cause a linear foreign body that needs surgery. |
| Glass ornaments | Caution | Cuts to mouths and paws; hang breakables high. |
| Light cords and batteries | Dangerous | Chewing cords causes burns; swallowed batteries cause severe internal burns. |
| Snow globes | Toxic | Some contain antifreeze (ethylene glycol), which is extremely toxic. |
| Liquid potpourri and essential oil diffusers | Caution | Burns and essential oil toxicity, especially for cats. Essential oils and cats |
| Wrapped food gifts | Caution | Dogs can smell chocolate through wrapping paper. Keep edible gifts off the floor. |
Frequently asked questions
Are poinsettias poisonous to cats and dogs?
Only mildly. They can cause mouth irritation, drooling and vomiting, but serious poisoning is rare.
Is a real Christmas tree safe for pets?
Mostly. Tree oils and needles can cause mild stomach upset, and the tree water can contain fertilizer and bacteria. Anchor the tree so it cannot be knocked over.
What Christmas foods are toxic to dogs?
Chocolate, raisins and currants (fruitcake, mince pies), macadamia nuts, alcohol, xylitol-sweetened treats, and fatty foods such as ham and gravy.