Seasonal Pet Safety Calendar

Holiday foods can be dangerous for pets. See which foods to watch out for during each season and holiday — from Christmas chocolate to Halloween candy.

💝Valentine's Day

Common Dangerous Foods

🍫
Chocolate (boxes of candy)

Theobromine causes heart arrhythmias & seizures. Dark chocolate is most dangerous.

HIGH
🍬
Xylitol (sugar-free candy)

Causes rapid hypoglycemia and liver failure in dogs.

HIGH
🥜
Macadamia nuts

Causes weakness, tremors, and hyperthermia in dogs.

HIGH
🍇
Grapes / Raisins (in trail mix)

Can cause acute kidney failure even in small amounts.

HIGH

Safety Tips

  • Keep candy boxes sealed and out of reach
  • Watch for gift baskets left on low tables
  • Warn guests not to share treats with pets

🐰Easter

Common Dangerous Foods

🍫
Chocolate eggs & bunnies

Theobromine toxicity — dark chocolate varieties are most dangerous.

HIGH
🍬
Xylitol (candy)

Extremely toxic to dogs even in small amounts.

HIGH
🍞
Hot cross buns (raisins)

Raisins cause kidney failure in dogs.

HIGH
🌷
Easter lily (cats)

All parts of lilies are extremely toxic to cats — causes kidney failure.

HIGH

Safety Tips

  • Keep Easter baskets elevated and covered
  • Supervise egg hunts if pets are around
  • Remove lilies from the house if you have cats

Disclaimer: This tool is for educational purposes only. Always consult your veterinarian for personalized dietary advice for your pet. Data sourced from ASPCA, AKC, Merck Vet Manual, and USDA FoodData Central.

About This Calendar

Veterinary emergency rooms see a spike in pet poisoning cases during major holidays. This calendar highlights the most common food dangers by season, sourced from ASPCA, Pet Poison Helpline, and Merck Veterinary Manual.