Hanukkah With Dogs and Cats: A Guide to Celebrating Safely With Your Pets

By: Leah McCormackUpdated:

Hanukkah With Dogs and Cats: A Guide to Celebrating Safely With Your Pets

From foods to toys to lights, Hanukkah can pose hazards to your pets. Here are a few safety tips to make this a safe and also memorable holiday. 

Keep the Kitchen Off-Limits

There are many foods that families traditionally serve and enjoy during the eight nights of Hanukkah. That said, some of your favorites can pose substantial health risks to your pets.  While it is never advisable to share your holiday meal with your pets (however tempting) these treats in particular must be kept off-the-menu.

  • Latkes: traditionally made with onions a vegetable that you should not feed to your dog in particular and which should be out of their reach.

  • Sufganiyots: Jewish jelly-filled doughnuts, are a doughy and sweet treat for people but as with most yeasty, doughy foods, these can cause upset stomach and indigestion in pets.

  • Chocolate Coins: These foil wrapped treats typically contain chocolate, which is toxic to both cats and dogs and should be kept well out of reach.

What to Feed Your Pet Instead

To include your pet in the food festivities of Hanukkah, cats and dogs can be served their own kosher feasts.

Dogs and Dreidels

Hanukkah would not be the same without the spinning of the dreidel. Unfortunately, dreidels,  like any small object just right-sized for a dog or cat mouth, can become a pet safety hazard. Enjoy them with your family for sure, but never leave them out where a pet can get hold of one.

Lighting of the Menorah

The menorah is one of the most important traditions of Hanukkah. However, flame-lit candles can be dangerous for curious pets. Keep lit candles well out of reach of pets or place in a room that is unavailable to pets.

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By: Leah McCormackUpdated:

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