Bradshaw Animal Shelter staff wish the community a safe and happy holiday season and encourage residents to keep their pets in mind as they celebrate. Photo courtesy of the Sacramento County’s Bradshaw Animal Shelter.

SACRAMENTO COUNTY, CA (MPG) - The holidays bring gatherings, festive décor and plenty of special meals but the season can also present hazards for household pets, according to Sacramento County’s Bradshaw Animal Shelter.

Shelter officials are encouraging pet owners to plan ahead to ensure that celebrations remain safe for cats and dogs.

Food is among the most common holiday risks. While some seasonal dishes are safe for pets in small portions, such as plain turkey or chicken without skin or bones, plain sweet potato or pumpkin, simple fruits and vegetables, and xylitol-free peanut butter, many traditional items should be kept out of reach.

Chocolate, onions, garlic, grapes, raisins, sugar-free foods containing xylitol, cooked bones, alcohol and raw dough are dangerous and life-threatening for pets. The shelter urges owners to stick with pet-specific treats when in doubt and to secure trash bins to prevent scavenging.

Decorations also pose potential dangers. Tinsel, ribbon and string can cause intestinal blockages if swallowed. Glass ornaments can break and injure pets, while holiday lights and electrical cords might tempt chewers. The shelter recommends keeping candles out of reach or opting for flameless versions to avoid burns or fires.

Several popular holiday plants can be toxic as well. Poinsettias can cause mild stomach upset, while mistletoe and holly can lead to vomiting and diarrhea. Lilies are especially dangerous for cats and should be avoided entirely. Artificial greenery can offer a festive alternative without the risk.

In addition, the shelter notes that the holiday season’s busier household routines can be stressful for animals. Visitors, parties and frequent door openings could overwhelm pets or create opportunities for escape. Officials advise providing a quiet retreat, reminding guests not to feed pets table scraps and ensuring collars, ID tags and microchip information are up to date.

If a pet ingests a potentially harmful substance, owners should contact their veterinarian immediately or call the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435.

Bradshaw Animal Shelter staff wish the community a safe and happy holiday season and encourage residents to keep their pets in mind as they celebrate.