What To Do If Your Pet Gets Into Your Holiday Treats

Updated on December 24, 2023

This holiday season, while visions of sugar-plums dance in your head, they’re probably also dancing in your pet’s head! Unfortunately, the same treats that we enjoy every holiday can pose a threat to your dog’s health. Whether your pup sneaks a piece of your holiday feast off of the table, or they have an upset tummy from eating tinsel or other decorations, these holistic remedies can help get your pup back to good health in no time.

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Toxic Foods for Pets

Certain goodies we may see in a holiday meal can be toxic to dogs, such as:

Chocolate
Grapes and raisins
Cooked bones or fatty trimmings from holiday hams or turkeys
Excessive amounts of garlic

If your dog eats any of the above, they may experience vomiting, diarrhea, or more serious reactions. Additionally, even if your dog overindulges on safe foods, like pumpkin or sweet potatoes, they still may get a tummy ache (just like people!). If your dog has eaten anything toxic or overindulged in their favorite treats, it is important to act within the first hour. If your dog is exhibiting a serious reaction or losing consciousness, you will need to see a vet ASAP.

What If My Pet Eats Holiday Treats?

Step 1: Fast

Not only should you act fast, but you should also not feed your pet anything else until their stomach settles. Take away all food and give your pet some time without eating any more food or treats, to let their stomach settle. If they’re still not feeling well, try a holistic remedy.

Step 2: Try a natural remedy

Holistic remedies can be safer solutions than over the counter stomach medications. For example, Nux Vomica can be used for pets who have overindulged. Arsenicum album can help with food poisoning, which includes poisoning caused by chocolate or other forbidden foods. These supplements can be found at most health food stores and holistic pet shops and are easily dissolved in water. (Remember: treats like chocolate are toxic to dogs. If your dog has consumed large amounts of chocolate, please see your holistic veterinarian.)

Additionally, CBD oil for inflammation can help relieve inflammation caused by a reaction to toxic foods. CBD can be absorbed through the gums and can help restore equilibrium to your pet.

Step 3: Re-introduce mild, bland food

You pup’s tummy will likely be a bit sensitive for the next few days. After all, if you had food poisoning your first meal afterward wouldn’t be a large spicy burrito! I recommend V-Dog for sensitive tummies and lots of water and rest.

You can also help soothe your dog’s tummy with a bland broth recipe. Place a few pieces of chicken in about 5 cups of water and bring it to a boil. Simmer the broth for about two hours. Strain the broth into a bowl and feed your dog a few tablespoons once it has cooled. This can help soothe an upset tummy without medications.

When Your Dog Dines On The Decor

Dogs and pets can get very excited to see all these new decorations, plants and shiny baubles all over the house! Unfortunately this sometimes leads to a pet eating something they shouldn’t. Holiday decorations can cause tummy troubles, and sometimes even be toxic. A few items to be aware of around the house include:

Tinsel
Poinsettia plants
Metallic wrapping paper and bows (anything shiny)
Christmas tree sap

If you are not sure that your dog or pet has dined on the décor, watch their behavior. Are they avoiding food and water? Acting strangely? Chances are, they have been eating something they shouldn’t.

Remember: if your pet begins vomiting, acting lethargic, and you suspect they have ingested harmful decorations, take them to the vet immediately. Sometimes they will have to pass the object, as it may be stuck in their throat or bowel, which will require intervention.

Step 1: Feel your Pet’s Abdomen

Does your pets abdomen or tummy area feel hard or blocked? Do they seem to be having trouble urinating or defecating? If their abdomen feels hard or they seem to have trouble with their bowels, you may need to seek help from your vet. If their abdomen feels bloated but they are acting otherwise okay, try a holistic remedy. Again, acting in the first hour can make a huge difference, so remember to keep an eye on your pet during the holidays.

Step 2: Use Natural Remedies

Phosphorus and calendula can both help the body expel the object and repair tears and rips in the esophagus. CBD for pets can also help work as a lubricant and anti-inflammatory to help the object move through the digestive tract. Remember: if you feel the object is large or is causing a major blockage, call your vet immediately. If the item is small, your dog may have pain while passing it, but should be okay.

Keeping Your Pet Safe During The Holidays

Remember, the best way to keep your pet safe from upset tummies or more serious complications, is prevention. Make sure to keep forbidden items, including decor, toxic foods and plants, out of reach of pets. With the right preparation, you and your pets can enjoy a safe, happy holiday season.

About Angela Ardolino

Angela Ardolino is a holistic pet expert who has been caring for animals for over 20 years and operates a rescue farm, Fire Flake Farm, in Florida. She is also the owner of  Beautify the Beast,  a natural pet salon and shop. After getting her certificate in Medical Cannabis Biology and Therapeutic use from the University of Vermont School of Medicine, she founded CBD Dog Health to provide high quality, all-natural medical cannabis products designed specifically for pets. Angela has five dogs, Odie a 12-year-old mini-schnauzer, Nina an 8-year-old Doberman. Jolene a 7-year-old mutt, Maza a 7-year-old mutt, and Rhemi an 8-year-old poodle. Plus 4-10 more at any time she is fostering or boarding. Additionally, she uses Full Spectrum Hemp Extract on all her pets at her rescue farm every day, and has since 2016. She is a member of the Society of Cannabis Clinicians, the Veterinary Cannabis Association. In fact, Angela has educated hundreds of medical doctors and veterinarians on the therapeutic uses of medical cannabis on animals. Visit www.angelaardolino.com for more information.