Antifreeze
Antifreeze often contains ethylene glycol, which tastes sweet and is extremely poisonous to cats and dogs, even in small amounts. Store it sealed and out of reach, clean up drips straight away and consider pet-safer products. Contact a vet immediately if you suspect your pet has licked any. Fast treatment matters.
Festive foods
- Chocolate: contains theobromine, which is toxic to dogs. Dark chocolate is the most dangerous.
- Grapes, raisins, currants and sultanas: can cause kidney failure in dogs. Watch for mince pies, Christmas pudding, cake and stollen.
- Xylitol: a sweetener in some sugar-free sweets, gum, baked goods and peanut butters. It’s very toxic to dogs.
- Onions, garlic, leeks and chives: harmful to dogs and cats, including in stuffing and gravy.
- Cooked bones and fatty leftovers: bones can splinter, and fatty food can trigger stomach upsets or pancreatitis.
Plants and decorations
- Lilies are highly toxic to cats, including the pollen and vase water.
- Holly and mistletoe can cause stomach upsets.
- Tinsel, ribbon and string can cause dangerous blockages if swallowed, especially by cats.
- Keep wires, batteries and glass baubles out of reach.
Cold weather
- Wipe paws after walks on gritted or salted roads, which can irritate pads and be harmful if licked.
- Older, small and thin-coated dogs may benefit from a coat.
- Bang on the car bonnet before driving: cats sometimes shelter near warm engines.
- Bring outdoor rabbits and guinea pigs somewhere sheltered and frost-free, with extra bedding.
If you think your pet has eaten something toxic
Contact your vet or an emergency vet straight away, even if your pet seems fine. Don’t try to make your pet sick unless a vet tells you to. Take the packaging with you if you can. In the US, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center offers a 24-hour line (a fee may apply).
Last updated: 13 October 2026
