As pet owners gather with family and friends this holiday season, Nationwide reminds them of the health risks associated with including pets in festive feasts. While it may be tempting to let furry family members indulge, some human foods and drinks can lead to emergency health situations for dogs and cats.
“Pets are naturally curious, especially around food and beverages, but certain holiday treats are particularly bad for them,” says Dr. Emily Tincher, Chief Veterinary Officer at Nationwide. “Many pet owners are unaware that even small amounts of festive staples can lead to illness, from mild stomach upset to more serious toxic reactions, causing discomfort for pets and unexpected stress for the family during the holidays.”
- Chocolate toxicity: 19% of Nationwide’s 2023 chocolate toxicity claims were submitted in December, with a 140% spike in claims in the final two weeks. Ingesting chocolate can lead to symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, a racing heart rate, and even seizures in severe cases. Estimated treatment cost*: $830
- Alcohol toxicity: Even small amounts can cause lethargy, vomiting, and respiratory distress. Estimated treatment cost*: $988
- Pancreatitis: Caused when pets eat fatty foods like ham, dark meat turkey, turkey skin and gravy, pancreatitis is the painful and potentially life-threatening inflammation of the pancreas, causing symptoms like vomiting and lethargy. Estimated treatment cost*: $1,400+, depending on the severity of the case
Festive foods to avoid
In addition to chocolate, fatty foods, and alcohol, keep pets away from these holiday ingredients:
- Onions, garlic and chives: Can cause anemia in dogs and cats
- Grapes and raisins: Can lead to kidney failure in dogs
- Spices: Nutmeg, cloves, allspice, onion and garlic powder, and paprika should all stay off the menu due to risk of stomach upset or toxic reaction
- Xylitol (found in sugar-free items): Can cause severe drops in blood sugar and liver failure in pets
- Bones and corn cobs: Can either splinter while chewing or become lodged in a pet’s stomach or intestines
Fun foods to offer
If you want to indulge your pet this holiday, stick with small samplings of foods that they’ll love and won’t make them sick. Make sure morsels are appropriately sized for your pet’s mouth and won’t be swallowed whole.
- Pumpkin (puree, not pie filling): Mix a spoonful into their food bowl or bake it into a pet-safe cookie recipe.
- Apple: Packed with fiber and vitamins A and C, apples can be sliced or diced into the food bowl.
- Carrots: Raw or cooked carrots are good for pets’ teeth and packed with beta-carotene and fiber.
- Green beans: Like carrots, these fiber-rich veggies can be steamed or raw.
- White-meat turkey: Plain, cooked, unseasoned turkey breast can be a protein-packed treat for pets.
*Based on Nationwide claims data 80th percentile of claims received. Treatment costs include expenses incurred in the first 30 days after initial diagnosis.