Winter Holiday Hazards Survival Guide for Pets and Their People

Winter is the time of year when ASPCA Poison Control receives even more calls than normal. Be sure to download this Holiday Survival Guide and post it in your lobby or share it on social media to help spread the word about common household holiday toxin concerns. Here are some key items that could be hazardous to pets during the holiday season. 

• Medications: During the holiday season, pets may access medications brought by visitors, which can be prevented with some planning. Pets are naturally curious and may investigate suitcases or pill containers. Ensure visitors store medications in a closed cabinet, out of reach and take them in a room with the door closed to avoid dropped pills. In case of emergencies, it’s also helpful to have a list of medication names, dosages and quantities. Learn more about Common Medication Toxicities to keep in mind for the holidays.
   
• Chocolate: Chocolate is the top cause of pet poisonings during Christmas, often from wrapped gifts under the tree. Pets may shred wrapping paper, making it hard to identify the ingredients ingested. With higher cocoa content in many chocolates, even small amounts can be harmful. For treatment, see How to Treat Chocolate Ingestion.
   
• Trees & Holiday Plants: Some holiday plants get a bad rap that’s not necessarily deserved. While plants are certainly not good for pets to ingest, they’re also not as dangerous as many people believe. Discover 4 holiday plants that cause more worry than warranted.
   
• Snow Globes: Snow globes are a holiday favorite and some contain ethylene glycol, so it’s important to be aware of this as a possible holiday risk. Learn more about Ethylene Glycol and Antifreeze Toxicity.
   
• Alcohol & Yeast Dough: Eggnog and other holiday drinks are readily available and can be attractive (and dangerous to) pets during the holiday season. Pets often vomit alcohol after ingestion, but alcohol is also absorbed quickly. Rising yeast dough for breads and rolls can also be a tempting treat that can cause bloating and complications from secondary alcohol production (caused by yeast fermentation). Learn more about Ethanol and Yeast Dough Intoxications.
   
• Ice Melts: With the weather getting colder during the winter months in some locations, ice and snow are possibly on the forecast. Ice melts are commonly used commercially and at home to help manage freezing precipitation. Learn more about Ice Melt Toxicity in Pets as well as some recommended precautions and functional alternatives.