top of page

A Veterinarian’s Guide to Pet Safety During the Holidays

    The holiday season is a time of warmth, celebration, and togetherness - but amidst the joy and decorations, this festive period can also present a host of hidden dangers to our furry companions. Luckily we put together a comprehensive holiday pet safety guide so you can know how to keep your pet happy & healthy during this joyful (and potentially hazardous!) time of year.


    Toxic Holiday Foods

    What’s a feast for us can be a life-threatening danger for pets. Some of our favorite holiday foods are actually toxic to cats and dogs.

    Colorful gingerbread cookies with red, white, and blue icing in star and leaf shapes, arranged on a textured gray surface.

    • Chocolate: Contains theobromine and caffeine, which can cause vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, and seizures.

    • Grapes and Raisins: Even small amounts can cause kidney failure in dogs.

    • Xylitol (in sugar-free candy and baked goods): Causes a rapid insulin release leading to hypoglycemia, liver failure, and even death in dogs.

    • Alcohol: Even small amounts can lead to intoxication and respiratory failure.

    • Fatty Foods & Bones: Table scraps like turkey skin or ham can lead to pancreatitis, while cooked bones may splinter and cause internal injuries.

    • Yeast Dough: Can rise in a pet's stomach, causing painful bloating and potentially twisting of the stomach (bloat or GDV), which is a life-threatening emergency. The yeast also ferments, producing alcohol that can lead to alcohol poisoning.


    NAH Safety Tip: Politely decline the urge to “treat” your pet to a Christmas dinner. Stick to their regular diet and offer pet-safe treats instead.


    Red gift box with white ribbon surrounded by gold and red tinsel, glittery baubles, and confetti, creating a festive holiday mood.

    Dangerous Decorations

    While your pet might find Christmas decorations fascinating, they’re not toys—and many pose real risks.


    • Tinsel and Ribbons: Particularly tempting to cats, these can cause intestinal blockages if swallowed.

    • Glass Ornaments: If broken, they can cut paws or be accidentally ingested.

    • Electric Lights and Cords: Pets that chew wires risk burns or electrocution.

    • Candles: Curious noses and wagging tails can easily knock them over, causing burns or fires.

    • Holiday Tree Water: May contain fertilizers, pesticides, or bacteria that can cause vomiting or diarrhea if ingested.


    NAH Safety Tip: Keep ornaments and lights out of reach, and opt for shatterproof decorations when possible.


    Holiday Plants

    Red poinsettias and green fir branches on wood. White candle with “Ho Ho Ho” text, tied with red string, in a box with star decoration.

    Some festive plants can be highly toxic to pets:


    • Mistletoe: Contains toxins that can cause a range of symptoms in pets, including vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain due to gastrointestinal irritation. In more severe cases, it can affect the heart, leading to a drop in blood pressure, a slowed heart rate, and even collapse.

    • Poinsettias: Usually cause mild irritation - ingestion can lead to drooling or vomiting.

    • Holly: Can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

    • Lilies: Extremely toxic to cats - even licking the pollen can cause kidney failure.


    NAH Safety Tip: Consider pet-safe alternatives or keep plants far out of reach and off the floor.


    A child opens a gift amid colorful wrapping paper by a lit Christmas tree with red and gold ornaments, creating a festive atmosphere.

    Gift Wrap and Toys

    Wrapping paper, bows, and toys with small parts are easy to overlook, but pose real threats:


    • Plastic packaging and wrapping: Can cause choking or an intestinal blockage when eaten.

    • Batteries and magnets: Swallowing batteries or magnets is a medical emergency. Batteries can cause severe internal burns and tissue damage as the battery discharges, while magnets can attract each other across intestinal walls - leading to tissue necrosis, perforation, and peritonitis.

    • Toys with small parts: Can become lodged in the throat or intestines if chewed and swallowed.


    NAH Safety Tip: Clean up wrapping paper quickly after gifts are opened, and supervise your pet around new toys.


    Guests and Stress

    During the holidays, pets can experience increased stress due to a combination of factors. The influx of visitors, changes in their daily routine, and the general increase in household noise can be overwhelming. These disruptions can lead to anxiety, hiding behaviors, or even attempts to escape from the home.

    Smiling woman serves turkey to family at festive dinner table. Warm candlelight, Christmas tree, and cozy atmosphere.

    • Open doors: During holiday gatherings, with many people coming and going, it's easy for a door to be left ajar. Pets, especially those who are curious or prone to bolting, can quickly slip out unnoticed, putting them at risk.

    • Stress-induced illness: The hustle and bustle of the holidays can be very stressful for pets. This stress can manifest as gastrointestinal upset, such as vomiting or diarrhea, or behavioral issues like increased anxiety or aggression.

    • Unknown guests feeding treats: Well-meaning visitors may not be aware of which human foods are toxic or unhealthy for pets. Even small amounts of certain foods can cause significant health problems for your furry friends.


    NAH Safety Tip: Provide a quiet, secure space where your pet can retreat, and inform guests not to feed them when they are out and socializing.


    When to Call the Vet

    Contact your veterinarian or an emergency animal hospital immediately if your pet:


    • Ingests something toxic

    • Vomits repeatedly or has severe diarrhea

    • Seems lethargic or disoriented

    • Has difficulty breathing

    • Shows signs of pain or discomfort


    The holiday season should be a time of comfort and joy for the whole family, including your pets. With a bit of preparation and vigilance, you can keep the holidays merry, bright, and safe for your furry friends. If you’re ever unsure whether something is safe for your pet, a quick call to your vet or one of the below pet poison helplines could save you both a lot of heartache.


    Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661

    ASPCA Pet Poison Control: (888) 426-4435


    From all of us here at Newberry Animal Hospital, we wish you a safe and happy holiday season!



    Having a pet emergency when our hospitals are closed for the holidays? Contact one of our local pet emergency hospitals to get your furry friend immediate care:


    Community Care Veterinary Specialists: (352) 225-3501

    UF Small Animal Hospital: (352) 392-2235

    Urgent Vet Gainesville: (352) 374-0040


    Prep Your Pets for Hurricane Season


      Satellite image of a large hurricane over the ocean, with swirling white clouds. The hurricane covers part of the landmass in a desert region.

      According to the ASPCA, an estimated 30% of pet owners leave their pets behind during natural disasters, often citing a lack of preparation or not knowing where to bring them as the reasoning behind it. We are here to help change that. 


      When preparing for hurricane season, it’s easy to get caught up in stocking up on water, flashlights, and sandbags - but don’t forget the needs of your four-legged family members! Pets rely on us to keep them safe, and just like the rest of your household, they need a plan when severe weather strikes. Here are our top tips for how to prepare your pet for hurricane season so you’re not caught off-guard when the storms hit:


      1. Create a pet emergency kit


      Your pet’s emergency kit should be ready to grab at a moment’s notice. Each kit should include:


      • At least a 3-5 days’ supply of food & water

      • Portable food & water bowls

      • Medications (with dosage & instructions)

      • A collar/harness with your pet’s I.D. tag attached

      • A Leash and/or pet carrier (dependent on the size of your pet)

      • Litter and a litter box (for cats)

      • Waste bags or puppy pads

      • Copies of your pet’s medical records and current vaccination info

      • A first aid kit with pet-safe products (for a list, visit 

      • Recent photo of your pet (in case you get separated)

      • Comfort items like a blanket or toy


      2. Include your pet in your evacuation plan


      Never leave your pet behind during an evacuation. Before the storm hits, be sure to research which local emergency shelters and/or hotels are pet-friendly (not all are) in case you need to evacuate your home. If your evacuation plan includes staying with family or friends, confirm your pet is welcome or make arrangements for a neighbor, friend, or relative to care for/evacuate your pet if you’re unable to do so. In the case you do need to evacuate, it is always smart to crate and/or leash your pets to ensure they stay safe and secure during transportation.


      3. Microchip and ID your pet


      If your pet gets lost during a storm, a microchip and up-to-date ID tags are the best way to reunite you. When prepping for a hurricane, make sure your contact info is up-to-date on your pet’s microchip registration. Need a reminder of what company your pet’s microchip is registered with? Enter their microchip number into the AAHA Microchip Look-up Tool or have us scan your pet’s chip at their next visit!


      Wet brown dog with an anchor tag stands in a shallow pond, surrounded by blurry trees. Overcast sky creates a moody atmosphere.

      4. Keep vaccines and records current


      Most pet-friendly emergency shelters or boarding facilities require current vaccines and medical documentation. Be sure to update your pet’s vaccines well before the storm hits, and don’t forget to request a copy of their records to keep in your emergency kit!


      5. Don’t Wait Until the Last Minute


      Storm paths can shift quickly, and supply chains get strained. Stocking up early on pet food, litter, and medications can make a huge difference when the first storm of the season rolls around. Additionally, keep your pet’s crate or carrier nearby and accessible in case a quick evacuation is needed. If your pet is not currently comfortable with their crate or carrier, now is a great time to start crate-training - a familiar crate can feel like a safe place during a scary event like hurricanes!


      6. Remember we’re here to help!


      As soon as hurricanes become threats, we do our best to provide you with the most up-to-date information on how it affects our area and the pet owners that reside here. If you need help putting together your pet’s emergency kit, updating your pet’s vaccines, scanning your pet’s microchip, or any other pet-related hurricane prep, we’re just a call away. Let’s work together to keep your entire family - pets included - safe this hurricane season.


      For more information on general emergency preparedness during hurricane season, visit https://www.ready.gov/hurricanes.



      Need to update your pet's vaccines or wellness services? Schedule an appointment with us:



      Understanding Your Dog’s Body Language for Dog Bite Prevention Week

        Updated: Jul 16

        Have you ever wished you could talk to your dog? When you look at them, do you wonder if their wagging tail and bright eyes mean happiness? Or do you think they might feel stressed when seeing a squirrel outside? Understanding your dog's body language is key. It can reveal how they feel at any given moment. By analyzing their behavior, you can identify when they may feel uncomfortable, especially in stressful situations. In honor of Dog Bite Prevention Week (April 13th-19th), we are here to help you interpret your dog’s body language. Recognizing signs of fear, anxiety, and stress (FAS) can be crucial.


        The Fear, Anxiety, and Stress (FAS) Scale


        The Fear, Anxiety, and Stress (FAS) Scale helps pet owners understand their dog's emotional state. It shows how body language can shift from comfort to potential aggression. At Newberry Animal Hospital, we utilize this tool to make vet visits more enjoyable for dogs. However, this scale is beneficial for pet owners in various situations. Below is the FAS Scale for dogs:


        Dog body language chart showing fear, anxiety, and stress scale with levels 0-5. Includes descriptions of signs like aggression and relaxation.

        Familiarizing yourself with the FAS Scale will help reduce general fear and anxiety in your dog. Knowing which signs indicate stress can be invaluable. In urgent situations, early intervention can prevent a snap, bite, or escape.


        Tips to Prepare for Vet Visits


        If your pet struggles with anxiety related to vet visits, there are effective strategies to ease their stress. For starters, acclimating your dog to car rides can be very helpful. Make car rides a positive experience by rewarding your dog with praise and treats while the car is stationary and when it's moving. This association can help make future car rides less daunting.


        Using a Carrier: If your dog needs to travel in a carrier, keep it open at home, and fill it with treats. This will help create a positive environment for your dog. Over time, they will view the carrier as just another part of their home rather than a place of fear.


        Happy Visits: If your dog tends to stress only during vet visits, consider ‘happy visits.’ These visits entail bringing your dog to the clinic outside of regular appointment times. They can simply step inside to get treats, weigh in, or just play without any medical services being provided. Happy visits can lower the stakes of typical vet visits and help create a positive association with the clinic. Over time, your pup is likely to feel more relaxed when medical care is necessary.


        More Techniques to Alleviate Stress at the Vet


        Here are some additional tips for reducing stress during vet visits:


        • Familiar Items: Bring your dog’s favorite toy or other familiar items to help ease their nerves.

        • Positive Reinforcement: Allow your dog to play and receive treats throughout their appointment. This builds a positive relationship with our staff.

        • Check-In from Your Car: If possible, check in for your appointment from your car. This can help avoid stressful interactions in the lobby.

        • Pre-Medication: Consult with your vet about pre-medicating your dog with anti-anxiety medication before the visit. This can help them feel more comfortable in stressful situations.


        Every pet’s behavioral journey is unique. It’s essential to remember that not every dog responds to stress in the same way, and that’s completely fine! Understanding your pet’s place on the FAS scale is crucial. We can work together to turn your dog’s fears into a lifetime of tail wags.


        To alleviate your pet's stress, give us a call or schedule an appointment at any of our locations. We are here to support you and your furry friends.



        bottom of page