With holiday meals and gatherings fast approaching, veterinarian Dr. Emily Hartman is urging pet owners to be vigilant: many common human foods served during festive occasions can be unsafe or even toxic to dogs. Holiday Feasts Aren’t Entirely Dog-Friendly—These Foods Can …

“While sharing your food with your dog can be a heartwarming gesture, it’s important to remember that not all human foods are safe for our furry friends,” said Dr. Emily Hartman, a veterinarian. She said the shift in routine and the abundance of table scraps at parties increase the chances that pets will encounter foods they shouldn’t eat.

Hartman and other animal-health officials point to a list of common foods that frequently cause problems. “Common human foods that are toxic to dogs include chocolate, grapes and raisins, onions and garlic, xylitol-sweetened products (gum, candy, some peanut butters and baked goods), macadamia nuts, alcohol, caffeine (coffee, tea), salt-heavy foods, and avocado,” she said, adding that many owners do not realize how dangerous a single bite of some items can be.

Veterinarians typically see an uptick in calls and clinic visits around holiday gatherings as owners seek immediate help after unsupervised nibbling or accidental offerings. Hartman emphasized prompt action: “If you suspect your dog has eaten something toxic, don’t wait for symptoms to appear,” she said, urging owners to contact a veterinarian or animal health resource right away.

Those calls often come late in the evening or over weekends, when families are hosting and pets may be unattended near food. Hartman said the most useful information owners can provide when they call is a description of what the dog ate, how much, and how long ago it happened; that information helps professionals assess risk and recommend next steps. ?

Public awareness about accidental exposures is uneven. Available data suggest that about 30% of dog owners report having fed their pets something toxic or potentially harmful, even if they did not realize it at the time. A 2024 survey cited by Your Pets Daily found that nearly three in ten (29%) pet owners admitted to feeding their dogs a toxic or potentially harmful food item, underscoring how common such incidents are.

Hartman’s practical guidance for owners planning celebrations is rooted in prevention and rapid consultation. She recommended maintaining a familiar feeding routine for dogs and avoiding passing around table scraps; owners can safely include dogs in festivities by keeping their diet consistent and limiting them to small amounts of dog-safe foods while avoiding fatty, seasoned dishes, bones, chocolate, alcohol, xylitol and other hazardous ingredients. She also urged supervision around food and decorations so that pets do not have unsupervised access to potential hazards. Keep Your Pet Safe from These 10 Holiday Hazards!

Animal-health organizations provide seasonal lists and reminders to help owners navigate holiday risks. The ASPCA and other groups maintain accessible resources on common household toxins and what to do after a suspected ingestion; news outlets and pet-care sites frequently publish holiday checklists to remind owners of items to keep out of reach. Hartman noted that these reminders resurface each year because the risk environment at home changes during celebrations.

“The message is brief but firm: holiday offerings and decorations create exposure that differs from routine feeding, and that change raises risk,” Hartman said. Her two central points are clear—many human foods aren’t safe for dogs, and quick action matters when a possible exposure occurs.

For owners who do encounter a possible toxic ingestion, animal-poison-control hotlines or local veterinary clinics can advise whether immediate evaluation is needed. Hartman encouraged owners not to delay: fast reporting can reduce the severity of some outcomes and may prevent the need for more intensive treatment.

Source

Original reporting: view the original article. Additional resources: ASPCA, AOL.