It’s true. That ribbon, tinsel, and string may add a lot to your holiday decor, but it is also very tempting for your pet to play with and ingestion can be fatal. Even ornaments can be mistaken for toys so it’s best to leave those out of reach too.

Caffeine and alcohol can help you enjoy this festive season but they are toxic for your pets. Keep your precious pets safe by keeping these items inaccessible.

You don’t need mistletoe to be inspired to kiss your furry friends. It, along with hollies, lilies, and poinsettias are bad for your pets. Ingesting them can cause an upset stomach, lethargy, irritation to the tissue lining the mouth and stomach, and in severe cases, kidney failure in cats. Set up a plant screensaver instead!

Sugarless gum and candies often contain xylitol, a sugar substitute that is you guessed it, toxic to your pet. So, if you want to keep their breath fresh, brush their teeth instead!

Fatty meats and side dishes with high-fat content (mmmm, gravy) can cause inflammation of the pancreas. This leads to abdominal pain, vomiting, bloody diarrhea, and inappetence (lack of appetite). Save your pet the pain!

Who doesn’t love chocolate? Ok, crazy as it sounds, there are some but chances are your pet is not one of them. Unfortunately, it contains theobromine, and if your pet eats even the smallest amount it can cause nausea, diarrhea, and/or vomiting. Large amounts can cause seizures, heart arrhythmias, or even death. Also, the darker the chocolate, the worse the effects, so keep that cocoa up, up and away!

Halloween is over so there’s no need to worry about vampires anymore, but onions and garlic, including powder forms, sure can help spice up those tasty holiday feasts. They can also cause anemia (a decrease in red blood cells) and upset the gastrointestinal tract. Symptoms can be delayed so if you suspect your pet ate some, call your veterinarian immediately.

Since you may not have a real, aromatic tree and many holiday plants are toxic, you might be inclined to light some candles. Understandably, your pet might unknowingly knock them over or confuse the dancing flames for a toy. Consider avoiding this hazard by breaking out the ladder and hanging some string lights instead. Caution: Chewed wires can lead to electrocution, severe burns, and possibly death so the higher the better!

Dogs may have bones but only if they are UNcooked. Cooked bones can splinter and, if ingested, can have fatal consequences. This means care for the carcass and immediately empty the trash!

Visit my Halloween, Thanksgiving, Summer, and Fireworks Pet Safety Guides for more helpful tips to keep your pets safe during different festive seasons throughout the year.