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December 2005
December 7, 2005
The holidays are a joyous time that we all look forward to,
but it’s also a time when pet owners must pay special
attention to keep their pets safe from foods that can make
them ill—or worse. Planning for guests and cooking that big
turkey or ham with all the trimmings can cause even the
most loving owner to overlook what dangerous foods their
pets might be eating.
The holidays are the happiest time of year for all of us,
but they can be extremely hazardous to beloved pets. It’s
tempting to share bits of a delicious meal with our furry
friends, but doing so may cause gastrointestinal upsets,
and in the case of chocolate—even death. The best holiday
treat for pets is one made especially for them.
Pet owners should ensure visitors and houseguests, some of
whom may not have pets, understand what can and cannot be
fed to animals. Offer to let guests feed your pets their
usual pet treats, explaining why it is important that your
animals don’t eat people treats like candy.
Watch visiting children closely to be sure they don’t
"share" with Fluffy or Fido.
Here are seven tips to help you protect your animal friends
during the holiday season.
1. Try to avoid feeding your pet leftovers from the holiday
meal. A little tidbit of turkey or ham may be safe, but
don’t overdo it. Holiday foods tend to have a high fat
content, and this can cause stomach upsets for your pet.
Dogs given too much turkey can even develop pancreatitis—a
serious and often deadly condition. Holiday foods can add
extra calories, so it’s best to stick to their normal diet.
2. Make sure your pets don’t get any poultry bones. They
break off easily and can cause a cat or dog to choke to
death. Additionally, if poultry bones are swallowed, they
can puncture the intestines. Only large soup bones are safe
for dogs.
3. Every holiday seems to include some sort of traditional
candy or sweet, but remember that sugar is not good for
animals. Pets can choke on hard candies, or the tinfoil or
cellophane wrappers. Tinfoil can cut a pet’s mouth, and if
swallowed, cut their intestines.
4. Although chocolate is a favorite with humans, it is
among the most dangerous food items for dogs. A 20-pound
dog that eats a pound of chocolate can suffer seizures and
even die. They may become hyperactive and excited, and may
vomit. The effect of the chemical theobromine on the heart
is the most dangerous. It can increase the dog’s heart rate
or cause the heart to beat irregularly. When these effects
are combined with exercise, the result can be fatal.
Because signs of sickness may not be seen for several
hours, call your veterinarian immediately if your dog eats
a large amount of chocolate.
5. Any food that is not "pet food" has the potential to
harm your pets. Table scraps like pasta, meat, eggs, fish,
fruits and vegetables are usually okay in small quantities,
but some can be harmful even one time. Onions contain a
toxic ingredient that can cause gastroenteritis with
vomiting and diarrhea in cats and dogs, and lead to severe
illness. Although the toxic compound is unidentified, we do
know that macadamia nuts can cause weakness or paralysis of
the hindquarter of dogs. Fortunately, dogs usually recover
after a time, but it is a painful experience for them.
6. Other foods you should avoid giving your pets include:
puddings and creamy deserts, gravies, heavy cheese sauces,
cheese chunks, broccoli, raisins, grapes, potato
peelings—and of course, alcohol.
7. Don’t place presents containing candy, especially
chocolate, or other edibles under the Christmas tree if
your pets stay indoors.
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