Christmas Cheer & Cold-Weather Safety
The holidays bring festive decorations, delicious treats, and time with loved ones. A few simple precautions can keep the season joyful—and safer—for our dogs and cats.
Holiday Plants: Know the Risks
– Lilies (true lilies and daylilies): Extremely dangerous to cats. Even pollen or vase water may cause acute kidney injury. Seek emergency veterinary care immediately after any suspected exposure.
– Mistletoe and holly: May cause drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and sometimes more serious effects depending on the plant and amount ingested. Keep out of reach.
– Poinsettias: Usually cause mild mouth or stomach irritation, rather than severe poisoning. Still best kept away from curious pets.
– Amaryllis and Christmas bulbs: Can cause gastrointestinal signs; bulbs are particularly concerning. Call your veterinarian or poison-control service if eaten.
Christmas Trees, Decorations & Holiday Foods
Secure trees to prevent tipping; cover tree-water reservoirs, especially if additives are used. Keep glass ornaments, electrical cords, tinsel, ribbon, and gift string out of reach. Swallowed string can cause dangerous intestinal injury, particularly in cats.
Avoid chocolate, xylitol-containing sweets, grapes/raisins, onions, garlic, alcohol, cooked bones, fatty scraps, and unbaked yeast dough. Plain, unseasoned treats in small amounts are safer for pets without dietary restrictions.
Winter Weather: Protect Paws and Bodies
– Limit outdoor time during freezing, windy, or wet conditions—especially for small, short-coated, senior, or medically fragile pets. Provide warm, dry shelter and fresh unfrozen water.
– Wipe and dry paws after walks to remove salt and de-icers; check for cracked pads and ice between toes. Consider properly fitted booties or a coat when appropriate.
– Watch for shivering, weakness, lethargy, stumbling, pale or painful skin, or unusually cold extremities. Suspected hypothermia or frostbite requires prompt veterinary care; warm gradually, without direct high heat.
– Antifreeze containing ethylene glycol can be fatal even in small amounts. Clean spills immediately, store securely, and seek emergency care after any suspected ingestion—do not wait for symptoms.
A Holistic Winter Wellness Reminder
Regular gentle activity, maintaining a healthy weight, comfortable bedding, and an individualized nutrition plan can help support senior pets with seasonal stiffness. Acupuncture, therapeutic laser, or other integrative care may be considered alongside appropriate veterinary evaluation and pain management.
When to Seek Help
For suspected toxin ingestion, contact your veterinarian or an emergency hospital promptly. ASPCA Animal Poison Control: (888) 426-4435; Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661 (consultation fees may apply).
Wishing you and your beloved companions a peaceful, healthy, and joyful Christmas season!
Dr. Linda T. Stern, DVM, MS Nutrition, CVA • Healing Creatures Holistic Animal Hospital