As the holiday season approaches, many pet owners look forward to sharing the joy and festivities with their beloved pets. However, it’s crucial to remember that some traditional holiday foods can be harmful to dogs and cats. We’ll explore five common holiday foods that should be kept away from your pets. For personalized advice and care for your pet, remember to call the World of Animals Veterinary Hospital to schedule an appointment.
Chocolate and Sweetener
Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, both of which can be harmful to pets. Even small amounts can cause issues ranging from digestive upset to more severe complications. Xylitol, a common artificial sweetener found in sweets, such as chocolate, and baked goods, can be especially dangerous for dogs, leading to a rapid insulin release and potentially life-threatening hypoglycemia.
Onions and Garlic
Many holiday dishes include onions and garlic, which can be toxic to dogs and cats. These ingredients can cause oxidative damage to red blood cells, leading to hemolytic anemia. Be mindful of feeding your pets scraps from the table, especially dishes like stuffing, which often contain these ingredients.
Fatty Foods and Bones
Fatty foods, such as turkey skin and ham, can trigger pancreatitis in pets, a painful and potentially dangerous inflammation of the pancreas. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. To keep your pets safe, avoid giving them rich, fatty holiday foods.
Additionally, cooked bones, especially bird bones, can splinter and cause choking or severe internal injuries.
Other Hazardous Holiday Foods for Your Furry Companions
Aside from the above, other foods to avoid include grapes and raisins, which can cause kidney failure in dogs, and alcoholic beverages that can lead to intoxication, coma, or even death.
Keeping Your Pet Safe and Healthy This Holiday Season
To ensure your pets’ safety, keep all harmful foods out of their reach. It is important that your pet only eats food specially formulated for them to ensure a healthy diet.
Be mindful of guests who might not be aware of these dangers and could inadvertently feed your pets human foods. If you suspect your pet has ingested something toxic, contact us immediately.
How World of Animals Veterinary Hospital Can Help
At World of Animals Veterinary Hospital, we are committed to the health and well-being of your pets. If you have any concerns about your pet’s health this holiday season, or if you need more information on keeping your pets safe, please don’t hesitate to call us and make an appointment. Sharing this information can help raise awareness among pet owners and keep our furry friends safe during the holiday season.
