The festive season brings joy, gatherings, and a plethora of delightful meals. As you prepare your holiday feast, it’s crucial to remember that not all indulgences are suitable for your furry companions. While sharing is caring, certain foods can pose serious risks to your pet’s health. The Family Veterinary Clinic advises pet owners to steer clear of these potentially harmful items during the holiday season.
Rich, Fatty Foods: Indulging in turkey or chicken skin and gravy might be a treat for us, but it can wreak havoc on your pet’s digestive system. These high-fat foods can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, and even inflammation of the pancreas, causing considerable discomfort and health issues for your beloved furry friend.
Bones: The idea of tossing a cooked bone to your dog may seem harmless, but it’s a significant risk. Cooked bones are brittle and prone to splintering, potentially causing throat or digestive system blockages. The Family Veterinary Clinic strongly recommends avoiding cooked bones and consulting with professionals to identify safe raw bone options.
Onions and Garlic: Members of the onion family, including garlic, shallots, and scallions, contain compounds that can harm your pet’s red blood cells, causing gastrointestinal irritation. While debate exists about appropriate garlic levels in a pet’s diet, caution should be exercised, and seeking veterinary advice is recommended.
Chocolate: Chocolate remains a well-known toxin for dogs and cats due to its caffeine and other harmful components. Ingestion of chocolate can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, arrhythmias, seizures, and, in severe cases, even death. Immediate veterinary attention is crucial if your pet consumes any amount of chocolate.
Alcoholic Beverages: While it might seem obvious, the presence of alcoholic drinks at gatherings poses a risk, as pets might inadvertently consume them. Sweet holiday drinks or food items soaked in alcohol should be kept away from curious pets to prevent potential poisoning.
Raisins/Grapes: Surprisingly, raisins and grapes can cause kidney failure in dogs. Even small amounts can lead to symptoms such as vomiting and hyperactivity. It’s essential to ensure these items, commonly found in desserts or fruit baskets, are kept out of your pet’s reach.
Nuts: Certain nuts like peanuts, cashews (cooked or roasted), and hazelnuts are safe for pets. However, almonds, walnuts, macadamia nuts, pecans, pistachios, and hickory nuts can cause various reactions, ranging from minor stomach upset to severe issues. To play it safe, stick to pet-friendly nuts like peanuts or peanut butter.
Milk Products: Contrary to popular belief, dogs and cats struggle to digest lactose found in dairy products, leading to digestive problems. It’s best to avoid feeding them milk or any dairy-based treats.
Yeasty Doughs: The image of pets indulging in unbaked dough might seem amusing, but it’s hazardous. The yeast in unbaked dough can expand in your pet’s stomach, causing bloating or, in severe cases, stomach rupturing due to excessive expansion. Additionally, the fermentation process produces alcohol, further endangering your pet’s well-being.
As pet owners, it’s crucial to educate friends and family about the dangers of feeding pets table scraps or excessive treats during holiday gatherings. The essence of the holiday season is sharing joy, but this doesn’t extend to sharing potentially harmful foods with our furry companions.
Should you have any doubts or concerns about your pet’s health during the holiday season, The Family Veterinary Clinic encourages immediate contact to your local vet clinic for professional guidance or the 24/7 Pet Poison Helpline at 855-764-7661. Swift action is vital in ensuring the best possible treatment options for your pet in case of ingestion of toxic substances.
The joy of the holidays lies in celebrating with loved ones, including our furry friends. By being mindful of what foods are safe for our pets, we can ensure their well-being and happiness during this festive time.
