From game-day snacks during football season to Halloween candy and Thanksgiving spreads, our homes are full of tempting treats—not just for us, but for our pets too.
Unfortunately, many popular holiday foods can pose serious health risks for dogs and cats. Whether it’s a well-meaning guest sneaking a scrap under the table or a curious pet rummaging through the trash, food-related emergencies spike during these festive months.
Here’s a breakdown of the biggest food dangers for pets during fall holidays—and how to keep your furry family members safe.
Football Season: Game-Day Grub
During football season, your living room might turn into a buffet of chips, dips, wings, and beer. While you’re rooting for your team, your dog might be rooting around for a snack.
Common Game-Day Food Hazards:
- Chicken Wings & Bones: Cooked bones can splinter, causing choking, internal injuries to the intestines, or intestinal obstructions.
- Dips (especially guacamole and onion dip): Onions, garlic, and avocado are all toxic to pets.
- Beer and Alcohol: Even small amounts can be dangerous, especially for smallerpets—causing vomiting, diarrhea, and/or disorientation.
Chips and Salty Snacks: Too much salt can result in tremors, vomiting, and seizures.
Halloween: Candy Isn’t a Treat for Pets
Top Halloween Food Hazards:
- Chocolate (especially dark chocolate): Contains theobromine and caffeine, which are toxic to dogs and cats.
- Xylitol (found in sugar-free gum and candy): A sugar substitute that can cause rapid insulin release in dogs, leading to hypoglycemia, seizures, and/or liver failure.
- Candy Wrappers: Ingested wrappers can lead to intestinal blockages.
- Raisins: Often found in trail mix or baked goods—just a few can cause kidney failure in dogs.
- Keep all candy out of reach. Store trick-or-treat bags up high and dispose of wrappers securely.
Thanksgiving: A Feast of Food Risks
Thanksgiving Foods to Avoid:
- Turkey Bones & Skin: Cooked bones are dangerous, and fatty skin can cause pancreatitis.
- Stuffing & Gravy: Often contain onions, garlic, and heavy seasoning, all of which are dangerous for pets.
- Mashed Potatoes: Butter, milk, and seasonings make them a digestive disaster.
- Desserts (pumpkin pie, chocolate pie): Sugar, chocolate, and spices like nutmeg are toxic.
- Unbaked Yeast Dough: Can expand in the stomach, causing bloating and alcohol poisoning from fermentation.
What to Do in Case of Ingestion
If you think your pet has eaten something dangerous, don’t wait for symptoms to appear. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435) immediately.Common symptoms of food poisoning in pets include:
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Lethargy
- Loss of coordination
- Excessive drooling
- Seizures
Time is critical when dealing with toxicity—early action can save your pet’s life.