Most pet owners would do anything to keep their pets safe, happy, and healthy. However, they may not be aware of all of the foods and drinks that could be dangerous to their pets’ health. Thanksgiving and other upcoming winter holidays are particularly risky, as pet parents may want to include their pets in the celebrations and feed them scraps from the table. Keep your pets away from Thanksgiving and holiday foods that are dangerous, and take them to an emergency veterinarian in Seattle, WA if they show any signs of illness, poisoning, or injury.
Rich and Fatty Foods
Rich, fatty foods are hard for your pet to digest, especially in large amounts. While some foods and ingredients may be safe in small amounts, your pet’s breed, size, weight, age, and overall health can affect how well his body is able to process them. If your pet ingests too much fat in a short period of time, his pancreas can be inflamed and he may experience nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, stomach pain, excessive thirst, fatigue or lethargy, and loss of appetite. He can also develop a dangerous condition called pancreatitis. Avoid feeding your pet:
- Chicken or turkey skin
- Fatty meat drippings or grease
- Gravies
- Avocado
- Oils, including coconut oil
- Peanut butter
Common Holiday Cooking and Baking Ingredients
Many of the ingredients you will be using for your holiday cooking and baking can be dangerous or toxic to your pets. Make sure your pet isn’t fed scraps from the table or pieces of food while you’re cooking, and take care not to drop things on the floor where your pet can get them. Take the trash out regularly or keep your pet out of the kitchen while you’re cooking. The holiday ingredients that are most dangerous to pets are:
- Onions
- Garlic
- Chives
- Grapes
- Raisins
- Nuts
- Chocolate
- Coffee and caffeine
- Yeast and uncooked dough
- Artificial sweeteners like xylitol
- Wild mushrooms
- Mustard
- Dairy products
- Sugar, salt, and spices
Holiday Beverages
Holiday beverages can also cause gastrointestinal issues and poisoning. The most dangerous holiday beverages for your pet are:
- Eggnog
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Milk
- Wine
Bones and Raw Meat
Bones can splinter and be a choking hazard or cause an intestinal perforation. They can also get lodged in your pet’s intestines or bowels and cause obstructions. Raw meat can contain dangerous bacteria that can cause illness or death.
What to Do if Your Pet is Sick on a Holiday
If your pet gets into something he shouldn’t or is showing signs of illness or injury on a holiday, you should take him to an emergency animal hospital right away. At Emerald City Emergency Clinic, our emergency pet clinic in Seattle, WA is open 24/7/365. We are an American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) accredited practice specializing in emergency care for pets. Call now to schedule an appointment for routine veterinary care, or call ahead to let us know you’re coming in for a pet emergency.
