From chocolate and turkey bones to string, toys, and even clothing, pet insurer Pumpkin’s data shows that curious pets can turn a festive, holiday night into an emergency vet visit.

Analysis of thousands of veterinary claims from 2020–2025 has revealed the leading things dogs and cats swallow, and the high vet bills that follow.

Chocolate Tops the Dog List — With an Average Vet Bill of $1,100

Between 2020 and 2025, chocolate and candy ranked as the most ingested items that are toxic for dogs, with hundreds of related emergency treatments nationwide.

Even small amounts can be toxic due to theobromine and caffeine, which dogs metabolize much more slowly than humans.

Costs rise because many pets require IV fluids, monitoring, and induced vomiting directed by a veterinarian.

Pumpkin’s data also shows that cats aren’t immune — chocolate ingestion has led to multiple feline claims.

With chocolate desserts and candy bowls commonly served during Thanksgiving through New Year’s, Pumpkin advises families to keep sweets out of paws’ reach this holiday season.

For Cats, the Biggest Threat Is… String

According to Pumpkin’s data, string-related ingestion is the top cause of foreign body emergencies in cats, often resulting in a dangerous condition called “linear foreign body obstruction.” This occurs when one part of the string gets stuck somewhere inside the GI tract, and the intestines attempt to move the other part forward unsuccessfully, causing them to bunch up like a pleated curtain around the blockage and eventually tear through the intestinal wall.

The average cost to treat a string ingestion is $2,500 or more, while the average cost to treat similar items like hair ties, thread & shoelaces can cost $1,000 or more.

“Because cats love to hunt, their instinctual hunting behavior will take over when they see an object like a string moving,” said Dr. Mondrian Contreras, DVM. “Objects like these are always a concern because they can cause serious gastrointestinal issues, which may require surgery.”

If your cat loves to play with string or ribbon, make sure that their playtime is always supervised, and do not allow them to chew or swallow any part of it. If they do swallow it, do not attempt to pull it out; instead, contact your veterinarian right away.

Toys Make Up 20% of All Foreign Object Accidents

Torn or chewed-up toys are the second most common ingested items for both dogs and cats, as holiday guests, excitement, and stress can lead to more accidents from unsupervised play.

The average vet bill for swallowed toy parts:

Dogs: $2,500

Cats: $1,900

Veterinarians recommend tossing damaged toys immediately and inspecting pets’ favorites before holiday gatherings.

In addition to dog and cat toys, check children’s toys if you have kids at home. Pumpkin has seen pets swallow everything from Legos to doll heads, so it’s a good idea to do a thorough inspection.

Socks, Corn Cobs, Rocks, and Sticks: The Unexpected Offenders

Additional analysis revealed a surprising list of non-food items pets swallowed.

The average vet bill for these other foreign objects:

Socks (8 percent of all dog ingestion claims): $3,500

Corn cobs and cooked bones: $500–$1,800

Sticks: $1,100

Rocks: $4,400

“Holidays can pose several dangers for pets due to various factors. The combination of increased foot traffic, the temptation of delicious but dangerous foods, and the potential for unintentional feeding can create a hazardous environment for our furry friends during the holiday season,” added Dr. Contreras. “If pet parents suspect that their pet has swallowed something dangerous, such as a sock or part of a toy, the first step is to contact their veterinarian for a thorough evaluation.”

Why Pets Eat Things They Shouldn’t

Dogs and cats commonly ingest dangerous objects due to:

• Curiosity and exploration
• Stress, boredom, or separation anxiety
• Attraction to movement or texture
• Pica caused by underlying medical issues

Both dogs and cats use their mouths as part of natural exploratory behavior — but unusual or repeated ingestion of non-food items is a sign that it’s time for a veterinary exam.

Signs Your Pet May Have Swallowed Something Dangerous

Pet parents should watch for:

• Vomiting or retching
• Abdominal pain or bloating
• Lethargy or hiding
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Drooling or pawing at their mouths (common in cats with string)
• Visible string — never pull it

If pet parents suspect their dog or cat ingested something potentially dangerous, they should call their veterinarian or local emergency hospital immediately. For toxic food or chemical ingestion, they can also contact the ASPCA Poison Control hotline at 888-426-4435.