The holiday season is in full swing- do you know what foods, decorations, and plants can be hazardous to your pet's health this winter? Let's find out!
Foods & Treats
Everybody wants to give their pet a tasty snack during the holidays. But when does a treat because trouble?
The "No" List
Cooked Bones
Cooked bones can splinter, and become lodged in the mouth, throat, or intestines. Raw, uncooked bones of an appropriate size for the dog (not small enough to swallow whole) can be a tasty and healthy holiday treat.
Chocolate
The hype about chocolate being toxic is actually a little exaggerated. Most dogs do not experience any ill effects from a small amount of chocolate. The true danger lies in very small dogs consuming large amounts of very dark chocolate- around the holidays, this comes in the form of Baker's chocolate. The unsweetened, highly concentrated substance CAN be toxic to smaller dogs if ingested. Candy, cookies, doughnuts, cake, etc., contains much less of the toxic chemicals and rarely causes anything more serious than diarrhea. Symptoms of true chocolate poisoning include extreme hyper-activity, red eyes, excessive salivation, tremors, seizures, and unconsciousness. If you suspect your dog has consumed large amounts of very dark or Baker's chocolate, see a vet. If they picked an M&M off the floor, don't panic, they'll be fine.
Grapes, Raisins, Currants
All contain a substance that can cause kidney failure in dogs. Carrot cake, fruit cakes, and other holiday treats containing these foods are strictly off limits.
Garlic, Onions
Small amounts of dried or cooked garlic (like food seasonings) are generally safe; raw onion and garlic bulbs can be very toxic, causing anemia and death. Keep pets out of the kitchen while you are cooking in case anything falls on the floor.
Candy
Some candies can be safe, but it's best to avoid them. Artificial sweeteners can be toxic even in small doses, and the amount of sugar is purely unnecessary for dogs.
Scraps
A little piece of turkey meat is fine. Skin, fatty scraps, hams, and bacon should be avoided. Cooked concentrated fat can cause pancreatic attacks in dogs which can lead to severe illness and death. Lean, skinless meats are okay, just don't overfeed- reduce their regular food if you plan to allow treats during dinner.
Alcohol & Coffee
Should be no-brainers here- they don't need either one and both can be toxic.
Macadamia Nuts
Be careful of any treats with nuts in them, as macadamias can be toxic.
The "Yes" List
In addition to raw bones and lean meats, some other treats your pet can enjoy safely.
Pumpkin
Pumpkin is a safe and healthy treat for dogs- as long as it's not mixed with spices to make a pie. Nutmeg and other spices can cause health concerns for dogs, so use only pure canned or fresh pumpkin for treats.
Turkey Innards
That little pouch inside your bird that most people throw away? Share some with Fido. The neck and innards are tasty to dogs and rich in many nutrients they don't normally get. If your dog is smaller, split the innards into more than one serving.
Veggies & Fruits
Most items on a veggie platter are both safe and tasty to dogs, including: carrots, green beans, peas, bell peppers. Corn is safe but not very nutritious. Fresh apples and bananas are also safe favorites.
Non-Food Hazards
Tinsel
Tinsel is not toxic, but it is a choking/digestion hazard. Keep pets away from Christmas trees, or use garlands instead.
Plants
Lilies, mistletoe, and holly are all potentially toxic to pets. Poinsettias are known for being dangerous, but there are actually few cases of any pet becoming ill from them. To be safe, keep all decorative seasonal plants out of pets' reach at all times.
Christmas Tree Water
The chemicals in the tree water can be dangerous for pets, do not ever allow them to drink from it. Purchase a stand that doesn't give access to the water.
Decorations
If you have a dog that's prone to chewing or swallowing objects, use extra caution when placing your decorations and keep pets under observation at all times during the holidays.
Have a story of holidays scares or successes? Share it with us!
