The obvious stuff:
alcoholic beverages - what's good for the owner is not always good for the pet
chocolate - the darker stuff worries us more
moldy, spoiled foods - hello vomit and diarrhea!
fatty foods - poor little pancreas
candles and electrical cords - ouch!
The not so obvious stuff:
Christmas tree water - fertilizers can cause upset stomach
ribbons and especially the shiny tassels (like crack for some kitties!) - be prepared for surgery should your cat's intestine bunch up around a piece of this irresistible fun
holly and mistletoe - way more toxic than poinsettias
"But don't dogs eat bones in the wild?" ...A final word on bones
First of all your dog is not wild. Your dog's parents and great grandparents are also probably not wild. So sure, dogs may eat bones in the wild, but your dog is very much domesticated. Domesticated palates, domesticated intestinal flora, domesticated teeth. We won't deny that some dogs do just fine with bones - those that have learned to chew bones well before swallowing them, those whose guts agree with bones, those who don't over-do it on the bones, may do just fine. But in general it's probably a good idea to just avoid bones of any kind for your pets - there is so much room for complication! Well-intended treats can break teeth, become lodged at the roof of the mouth or at the back of the throat (click on the video below)
Parts of the bones may be unable to pass through the intestine, for which surgery is the remedy. Eating too many bones can result in a fecal impaction and may require enemas and intravenous fluids to treat dehydration.
However if you absolutely must throw your dog a bone, keep these things in mind. Beware: following this advise does not guarantee a problem-free experience for your pet.
Pick a bone that is too big to be swallowed.
The bone should not be completely consumed in one sitting.
Raw or cooked bones are probably easier on the teeth than smoked or jerky-type bones.
Be safe and enjoy the holidays. We look forward to ringing in a bright 2014.