It’s supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year, but if your pooch eats something not dog-friendly, the holidays can quickly turn bad or even tragic. Here are twelve things you need to watch for this holiday season:
Chocolate:
Chocolate contains the alkaloid theobromine, which is highly toxic to our four-legged friends. Even hot cocoa can be a risk, so be careful where you leave your marshmallowy mugs.
Christmas Cake:
Most of us look for places to stash the Christmas Cake that great-aunt-Ethel brings every year . . . but whatever you do, don’t feed it to your dog. Grapes are toxic to dogs and can cause kidney failure – and the same goes for raisins, the staple of any Christmas cake.
Macadamia Nuts:
If you’re indulging in these fantastic treats from Hawaii over the holidays, keep them to yourself! They can cause lameness and lethargy in dogs.
Blue Cheese:
British holiday traditions sometimes include a potted Stilton. If your table is going to be graced by blue cheese, be sure it is out of reach: the mold that makes the cheese so delicious can create convulsions in dogs.
Xylitol:
Artificial sweeteners are found in sodas and gum and even in the peanut butter your dog loves. It can cause liver damage and poisoning, especially in small dogs.
Turkey Skin:
The skin of a turkey contains too much fat for your dog to digest easily and could inflame the pancreas.
Tinsel:
Although it isn’t toxic to dogs, it doesn’t digest, and it can get stuck on its way through the digestive tract, wrapping around your dog’s tongue or stomach.
Holly:
We all know it adds festive color to your holiday decor, it also adds the possibility of vomiting and diarrhea, excessive drooling and head shaking.
Mistletoe:
As with holly, eating mistletoe is a no-no for dogs and can result in drooling, diarrhea,vomiting, and abdominal pain.
Eggnog:
The nutmeg in a creamy glass of eggnog can result in tremors or nervous system disorders.
Unbaked Bread:
Making up fresh buns or some crescent rolls for the holiday table? Be sure your dog can’t reach the counter. The yeast can quickly ferment in your dog’s stomach, causing a toxic reaction in the gastro intestinal tract.
Christmas Cheer:
Alcohol is highly toxic to dogs – even a small amount can kill a pet – keep it to yourself!
If you believe your dog ate any of the things above, call your veterinarian immediately and/or call the Pet Poison Helpline (855-213-6680) for advice.
So what are some treats that are okay for your dog? We love anything that lets dogs play more comfortably! check out a few of these options you may not have seen before:
Got a gift idea your dog loves? Please share in the comments below!
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