by Sim Khanuja
From Halloween candy to Thanksgiving feasts and holiday decorations, this time of year brings unique risks that can land your beloved pets in the emergency room. Throughout the year, veterinarians at UW Veterinary Care (UWVC) treat pets who have eaten something they shouldn’t, and the risks tend to run a bit higher during the holidays.
Halloween is a high-risk moment for pets. Chocolate is a well-known danger to pets, but sugar-free candies, gum, and candy wrappers are equally concerning. In November, Thanksgiving introduces its own challenges: High-fat table scraps and bones, corn cobs, grapes and raisins, and large amounts of onions or garlic can all cause serious illness. Unbaked bread dough is another hidden threat. While cranberries are safe for dogs in moderation, most holiday foods should be kept off their plates.
As families begin decorating for the December holidays, new hazards enter the home. Pine needles, poinsettias, and true lilies (Lilium or Hemerocallis species) are toxic to cats, while strings, yarn, or streamers used for decorations can also be dangerous.
“This covers a range of toxic substances, to things that can cause gastrointestinal obstructions, to things that can cause severe gastrointestinal upset,” according to Sam Bilko (Department of Medical Sciences) and Molly Racette (MS’14; Department of Medical Sciences), who help lead UWVC’s emergency and critical care services.
Many plants also contain substances that irritate the gastrointestinal tract. While some only cause drooling or mildly upset stomachs, others, like lilies for cats, can lead to severe toxicity. Black walnuts and mushrooms are another seasonal concern.
The signs of toxin ingestion vary, but vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, and lethargy are the most common red flags. Young animals are often more curious, but many adult dogs and cats also eat things they shouldn’t.
If a pet has just ingested something suspicious, act quickly. Bilko and Racette advise owners to call the ASPCA Poison Control Center (888-426-4435) or the Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661) for immediate guidance. If the pet is already showing signs of illness, they should be taken to an urgent care or emergency veterinarian right away.
“We always recommend calling the clinic before bringing your pet in,” Bilko and Racette say. “That way, the veterinary team can prepare for your arrival.”
They also warn against assuming an exposure is minor.
“Simply assuming that ‘it wasn’t a toxic dose’ or ‘it might be OK’ may lead to a fatal error,” they note. “Call the pet poison numbers — it’s better to be safe than sorry.”
At UWVC, veterinarians have a range of treatment options depending on the toxin. These include decontamination, such as inducing vomiting and administering agents that bind toxins, as well as supportive care like IV fluids and gastrointestinal support. For certain toxins, UWVC has begun offering hemoperfusion, an extracorporeal therapy that circulates blood outside the body through a machine designed to remove toxins before they can absorb.
Finally, Bilko and Racette say, “The correct treatment for each toxin will be offered by the veterinarian seeing the case. Our goal at UWVC is to make sure every pet gets the individualized care they need as quickly and safely as possible.”