Holiday pet safety is crucial during Charleston festivities, as common foods like those in Christmas dinners can harm dogs and cats. The ASPCA warns against sharing alcohol, chocolate, grapes, onions, and xylitol, which cause severe issues from vomiting to organ failure.​
Top Toxic Foods
- Alcohol/yeast dough: Leads to intoxication, coma, or death from gas buildup and by-products.
- Chocolate/caffeine: Triggers hyperactivity, seizures due to methylxanthines—worst in dark varieties.
- Grapes/raisins, onions/garlic: Risk kidney failure or anemia from tartaric acid and Allium damage.
- Macadamia nuts, dairy, salt: Cause weakness, digestive upset, or electrolyte imbalances.
- Xylitol, raw meats/eggs: Drops blood sugar, invites bacteria like Salmonella.
Spices in gingerbread (nutmeg, cinnamon) also irritate pets.​
Additional Hazards
Secure trees to prevent tipping, cover tree water (bacteria risk), and hide cords/batteries from chewing, which shocks or burns. Keep candles supervised to avoid fires from curious paws.​
Lowcountry Resources
Contact Charleston Animal Society (charlestonanimalsociety.org, 843-747-1381) for advice or emergencies. Dial ASPCA Poison Control at 888-426-4435; Lowcountry vets like Banfield in Mount Pleasant offer holiday tips. Ties into family events like Point Hope Church nativities—keep pets safe for joyful traditions.​
