The holiday season is full of joy, laughter, and delicious food shared with family and friends. While it’s tempting to let our pets join in on the feast, certain foods can pose serious health risks. Keeping your pets safe during the holidays means knowing what’s safe to share and what to avoid.
Here’s a helpful guide for navigating holiday meals with your furry friends:
Foods to AVOID:
- Fatty Foods – Items like turkey skin, gravy, ham, and buttery sides can cause pancreatitis, a painful and sometimes life-threatening inflammation of the pancreas.
- Bones – Cooked bones (especially poultry bones) can splinter and cause choking, blockages, or injuries to the digestive tract.
- Onions, Garlic, and Chives – Found in stuffing, soups, and sauces, these can damage your pet’s red blood cells and cause anemia.
- Chocolate – A common holiday treat, chocolate contains theobromine, which is toxic to dogs and cats. Dark chocolate is especially dangerous.
- Grapes and Raisins – Even small amounts can cause kidney failure in dogs. Keep fruitcakes and cookies with raisins far out of reach.
- Alcohol – Alcohol is toxic to pets and can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and difficulty breathing.
- Xylitol – Found in sugar-free sweets, gums, and some baked goods, xylitol can cause severe hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and liver failure.
Holiday Foods That Are OK to Share in Moderation
If you just can’t resist those puppy-dog eyes, these foods are safe when prepared plainly (no seasoning, butter, or oil):
- Turkey (boneless and skinless) – A small piece of cooked turkey breast is safe and high in protein.
- Green Beans – Fresh or steamed green beans are a great low-calorie treat.
- Carrots – Raw or cooked carrots are full of vitamins and good for chewing.
- Pumpkin – Plain, cooked pumpkin is a great option to aid digestion. Avoid pumpkin pie filling, which often contains sugar and spices.
Sweet Potatoes – Plain, baked sweet potatoes are rich in fiber and nutrients. Skip the butter and brown sugar.
Why Fatty Foods Are Dangerous: Pancreatitis
Pancreatitis is a condition that often spikes during the holidays. Rich, fatty foods like ham, turkey skin, or gravies can overwhelm your pet’s digestive system, leading to:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Lethargy
Pancreatitis can escalate quickly and may require hospitalization, so avoid sneaking those scraps under the table!
What to Do If Your Pet Eats Something Toxic
Accidents happen, and pets have a knack for finding things they shouldn’t. If you suspect your pet ate something toxic:
Call the ASPCA Pet Poison Hotline at (888) 426-4435. They provide expert advice 24/7.
Contact your veterinarian immediately for advice.
Keep the Holidays Safe and Happy
The best way to celebrate the season is to keep our pets healthy and happy. Be mindful of what foods are within reach, remind your guests not to share table scraps, and keep trash cans securely closed.
For emergencies or questions about your pet’s health, don’t hesitate to contact us. From all of us here at Eastern Animal Hospital, we wish you and your pets a safe and joyful holiday season!
Need more tips or an appointment for your pet? Give us a call or visit our website to learn more!