This holiday season, you’re probably looking forward to enjoying time spent with family and friends, both human and animal. However, it’s essential to be sure that you don’t accidentally give your pets any foods that could be harmful to their health, lest your holiday party turn into an emergency trip to the veterinarian. Here’s a list of common holiday foods that you should avoid feeding your pets:
Grapes, Raisins, & Currants
All of these fruits can cause kidney failure in dogs, even in small quantities. Avoid letting your dog eat any of these items.
Chocolate
Chocolate contains a substance called theobromine, which is toxic to dogs and can cause vomiting, diarrhea, increased thirst, increased urination, restlessness, and muscle tremors. In severe cases, it can even lead to seizures and death.
Candy & Gum
Many types of candy and gum contain xylitol, which is an artificial sweetener that can cause low blood sugar, seizures, and liver failure in dogs.
Fat Trimmings and Bones from Turkey or Ham
It may seem like a leftover bone would be the perfect treat for a dog, but the opposite is true. Additionally, fat trimmings can cause pancreatitis in dogs, while bones can splinter and cause digestive or intestinal blockages.
Alcohol
Alcohol can cause vomiting, diarrhea, decreased coordination, central nervous system depression, difficulty breathing, tremors, abnormal blood acidity, and even coma or death in dogs. It’s best to keep all alcoholic beverages out of reach of your pets and clean up any spills right away.
If your pet has consumed any of the above foods, it’s important to contact your veterinarian immediately. The sooner you get treatment, the better the chances are for a full recovery. We hope that you and your pets have a safe and enjoyable holiday season.