18 Nov Pet Safety Tips This Holiday Season

Each year the time seems to fly by so quickly and before you know it, the holidays are here and it’s time to give thanks with your furry family. Since this time of year is all about gatherings and reconnecting with loved ones, it’s no wonder our adorable pups share a big part of the celebrations.

Before the chaos begins…and you find yourself in the kitchen stepping over a begging dog just waiting for something to fall off the counter…or you can’t keep track of what yummy morsels your nephew Timmy is sneaking to Peanut under the table…it’s important to remember the things our happy hounds should steer clear of to help keep them healthy and safe.

Let’s start by taking a good look at what human foods to avoid.  

Foods to Avoid

While it may be tempting to satisfy their curious appetites with food from the oven or table, sweet and fatty human foods can cause a world of trouble to animal tummies. We have to remember, as much as we love them like family, their bodies are very different from ours. So a good rule of thumb is to avoid giving your pets any table scraps. Period. This means you’ll need to inform your holiday guests, so they can follow the same rule.

Some foods that are healthy for us can be toxic to dogs, because our pups just don’t metabolize them the same way people do. The toxicity level will vary with the amount consumed and the size of your pet, but it’s better to be cautious and stick to the foods that have been proven safe for pets. In other words, make sure you limit your dog’s access to “no-no” people foods.

The list of unsafe people food for dogs can be long, but here are the most common ones to look out for.

Hazardous People Foods For Dogs:

Chocolate – Chocolate has a stimulant called methylxanthines, which can stop your hound’s metabolic process.

Grapes, Raisins and Currants – These seemingly harmless fruits can cause kidney failure in your dog.

Avocado – Your dog shouldn’t have avocado because it contains persin, which can result in fatal heart failure.

Ethanol/alcohol – There’s nothing humorous about it. Alcohol is toxic to dogs.

Bread dough – Once eaten, yeast in the dough continues to make the dough rise, distending the stomach and releasing toxic levels of ethanol into your dog’s bloodstream.

Pecans, macadamia nuts and walnuts – These can be toxic for your dog.

Onions, garlic and chives – Although some dog owners add garlic to their dog’s food to repel fleas, it can actually cause anemia, pale gums, weakness, collapse and increased heart rate.

Xylitol – Many foods labeled as sugar-free contain xylitol.

Raw potatoes – Never give your dog raw potatoes because they contain solanine, which is toxic to dogs.

Fat trimmings and fried foods – These types of foods regularly can cause pancreatitis.

Cooked Bones – They become brittle and easily break into sharp shards that can do a lot of damage when they pass through the gastrointestinal tract.

Did You Know?

According to Petplan, a pet insurance company, their customers spend an average of over $400 on veterinary treatment for an upset stomach. But over Thanksgiving weekend the same treatment jumps to over $600 and the number of claims sharply rise, because many vets are closed Thanksgiving Day through the holiday weekend.

Has Your Pet Swallowed Something Toxic?

Watch for the following signs that your pet ate something poisonous:

• Vomiting up food, gastric fluids and/or having dry heaves
• Not wanting to eat or lack of appetite
• Eating grass outdoors
• Lethargy
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Dizziness or loss of coordination
• Excessive panting
• Unsettled behavior or pacing the floor

If you suspect your pet has eaten any of the toxic foods listed above, please note the amount ingested and contact your veterinarian immediately. You can also keep these emergency numbers handy, just in case:

Pet Poison Helpline at 1-855-213-6680

ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control at 888-426-4435

Holiday Decorations That Can Be Dangerous

Don’t forget, meal time isn’t the only time you need to be careful during holiday gatherings. Decorations you have around the house can also pose a threat to your furry companions. As you’re making your season merry and bright, keep your happy hound’s safety in mind.

Think about decorations that could be dangerous if knocked over or too tempting and harmful if ingested…and keep them out of paw’s reach. Things to consider include:

• Mistletoe
• Poinsettias
• Tinsel
• Holly
• Amaryllis
• English ivy
• Edible ornaments and popcorn strands
• Potpourri
• Fake snow
• Ornament hangers
• Snow globes
• Gift wrap ribbon
• Lit candles
• Pine needles – especially needles that have fallen from your tree
• Christmas tree preservatives
• Christmas lights

Knowing which people foods and holiday decorations can be dangerous to dogs is the first step to making sure that your pet is safe and sound. If you know the dangers to watch out for, you can relax and enjoy quality time with your entire family over the holidays – most especially with your pampered pets!