The holidays are a time to eat, drink, and be merry. But between Halloween candy and Thanksgiving leftovers, there are more dangers surrounding our four-legged friends than any other time of year. That’s because the same traditional meals and desserts that us humans hold dear can be deadly for animals. To celebrate safely, it’s vital you keep the following foods out of your pet’s reach:
1. Sweeteners
Xylitol, a popular artificial sweetener, can be found in everything from sugar-free sweets to your favorite Halloween candy. While the ingredient may help your waistline, it’s detrimental to your pet’s liver, so make sure they don’t get their paws on it.
2. Macadamia Nuts
Fatty nuts–including walnuts, pecans, pistachios, and above all macadamia nuts–are highly toxic for animals, causing tremors, vomiting, and even paralysis. Plus, nuts are difficult for dogs and cats to chew, making them a choking hazard as well.
3. Turkey Bones
While it might seem natural to throw a dog a bone, small bones you picked out of your Thanksgiving dinner can actually perforate your dog’s stomach, so we suggest tossing them and sticking to store-bought chews.
4. Chocolate
This beloved dessert can wreak havoc on your pet’s body. With a toxic combination of caffeine and theobromine, too much chocolate can be fatal to our furry friends.
5. Alcohol
Alcohol quickly affects cats and dogs for the worse, causing damage to their brain and lungs, which can lead to coma or death.
6. Raisins and Grapes
Fruitcake is a classic holiday treat, but it can cut your festivities short if your cat or dog gets a hold of it, as some ingredients–raisins in particular–can cause kidney failure in household pets. The first signs of raisin and grape poisoning are vomiting and hyperactivity, so if you notice these symptoms, take the necessary action accordingly.
Your veterinarian can help you understand which foods are safe for your pet and which ones should be avoided. Schedule a checkup today to ensure you’re providing the best possible diet for your pet.
