You may want to include your pets in your traditional holiday meal by giving them a special treat, but certain human foods are dangerous or toxic to pets. Avoid leaving these foods or ingredients anywhere that your curious and nosy pets might be able to get into them, and make sure everyone else in your household is also aware of the dangers they pose:
Toxic Holiday Ingredients
Certain holiday food ingredients are toxic or harmful to pets, whether included in a dish or eaten raw. Make sure none of these food ingredients drop on the floor where your pet can get them, and keep the finished dishes away from your pets as well:
● Onions and leeks
● Grapes and raisins
● Garlic
● Nuts
● Avocados
● Alcohol
● Chocolate
● Artificial sweeteners like Xylitol
Dangerous Holiday Candy
Holiday chocolates, such as Halloween candy are dangerous and can even be fatal for pets. Candy containing excessive fats and sugars can give your pet an upset stomach and can also contribute to pancreatic cancer or pancreatitis. Candies containing artificial sweeteners like Xylitol are poisonous to pets and can cause vomiting, seizures, and death. Other candy ingredients like caramel and nougat can be a choking hazard. Popcorn and nuts can also be very dangerous, as nuts can be toxic to pets, and both popcorn and nuts can be a choking hazard or cause intestinal blockages.
Alcohol and Beer
Don’t let your pet have even a few sips of your holiday wine, cocktail, or beer. Even a small amount of alcohol can raise your pet’s blood sugar to dangerous levels and quickly cause intoxication and alcohol poisoning. Watch out for signs like excessive thirst or drooling, vomiting, lethargy, seizures, loss of balance or coordination, and loss of consciousness.
If your pet is exhibiting signs of food poisoning or if you think he’s consumed any of these foods, please call your veterinarian as soon as possible.
