It’s the most wonder-fur-l time of the year! Along with the love and fun the holidays provide, they are also packed with food! The holidays offer some of the best meals you wait all year to indulge in, and you may want to share some of the goodness with your furry friend. However, it is imperative to be cautious about the food you share with your pet, as some holiday staples are highly hazardous to them.
Be Careful with Sweet Treats
While sweet treats may be the most anticipated part of a holiday dinner, they can be extremely dangerous to your pet. Keep chocolate away from pets, as it contains highly toxic theobromine. Share fresh pumpkin or pumpkin puree without worry; just ensure no sugar or nutmeg is added. Keep candy far out of your pet’s reach as well, as some candy contains xylitol, which will make your pet sick.
Turkey and Other Meats
Certain meats, such as turkey skin, bacon, and sausage are high in fat. High-fat foods can cause inflammation in your pet’s pancreas, which may be fatal in severe cases. Turkey bones are dangerous as they can crack or tear and cause damage to your pet’s insides. Stick to plain, white-meat turkey if you want to share some meat with your pet!
Vegetables and Fruit
Most vegetables, such as carrots, celery and cucumber, are perfectly safe for your pet. Avoid onions, garlic, chives and other alliums that are prominent in holiday dinners, as they are toxic to your furry companion. Bananas and strawberries are excellent sweet snacks for your fur baby; however, grapes and raisins are hazardous and should be kept very far from your pet.
This holiday season should be remembered for the right reasons, not because of an emergency veterinarian visit. Contact your local vet to stay ahead of the potential hazards of your holiday dinner!