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Mmmm…rich, sumptuous holiday food. Most of us can hardly wait for these tasty meals. But what about your pet?
During the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, pets often get the short end of the turkey leg. When planning feasts of grand and delicious proportions, holiday food dangers are often overlooked until they present a veterinary emergency.
Just a Bite? Help Your Pet Avoid Dangerous Foods
You know your pet is a skilled beggar, suckering any aunt or nephew into sneaking just a little scrap of meat or veggie under the table. Unfortunately, this indulgence can create serious health problems and can sometimes lead to an emergency situation.
Do you know which foods are poisonous to pets? There are several, many of which remain unknown to pet parents. Common foods to avoid include:
- Fatty, seasoned meats (especially those with skin on)
- Nuts such as macadamias, pistachios, and walnuts
- Onions and garlic
- Grapes and raisins
- Alcohol
- Fruit pits (apricot, peach, and cherry)
- Xylitol (found in sugar-free candy and gum)
- Yeast dough
- Chocolate (especially dark or baker’s quality)
Unfortunately, pets can also be adept at sneaking scraps of food left unattended. As a pet owner, knowing the signs of pet poisoning can be life-saving. Things to watch for include:
- Vomiting with or without diarrhea
- Drooling
- Bloody vomit or stool
- Pale gums
- Weakness
- Seizures
- Collapse
- Acting abnormally or panicked
Time is of the essence when treating a pet poisoning emergency. If you suspect your pet has eaten something toxic or poisonous, please seek emergency care immediately.
Minimizing Holiday Food Risks
Since feasting is unavoidable during the holidays, here are some simple steps you can take to ensure the safety of your pet:
- Create a cozy pet zone, such as a spare bedroom, where your pet can relax during the holiday meal or party
- Ask guests to avoid feeding your pet any scraps or leftovers
- Scan the floors periodically for errant bits of food – even during meal prep, it’s easy to drop some garlic, onion, or other potentially poisonous foods on the floor
- Store all leftovers in containers in the fridge or other safe place
- Use lidded garbage cans and compost bins
- Vacuum and sweep after guests leave to make sure all edible items have been cleaned up
The holidays are a wonderful time for feasting and celebration, but they do present some challenges when it comes to pet safety. Even if foods aren’t poisonous, rich and fatty treats can create mild to severe health problems, so keep that in mind when planning a pet-friendly holiday season.
From all of us at True Care Veterinary Hospital, we encourage you to eat, drink, and be merry. We hope the holidays are safe and enjoyable for all!