‘Tis the season to indulge in lots of delicious food and drink that we rarely have on our tables any other time of the year. We’re talking about baked goods, candies, chocolates, cocktails and more. And although enjoying some of these treats may not wreak havoc to your New Year’s resolution diet, even a pea-size amount could cause poisoning to your little cats and dogs.
- Chocolate
It is one of the holiday indulgences we love the most, but chocolates can be detrimental for cats and dogs. Darker chocolates are more toxic than the white variety. The toxic ingredients in chocolates that can cause seizure to pets include theobromine and caffeine.
- Macadamia Nuts
These nuts may look harmless, but they can be poisonous to dogs that get to devour a bowl of them or swipe a cookie containing some of them. Signs of poisoning due to nuts are vomiting, weakness, depression, lack of coordination, joint stiffness and tremors.
- Fruitcake
A holiday is a staple holiday treat and gift. Although delicious, the ingredients are actually extremely dangerous for pets. Raisings and grapes are linked to the development of kidney failure in dogs that have eaten them. If preparing fruitcakes or other dishes with these ingredients, be extra cautious when your dog is around to ensure they don’t ingest anything that’s harmful to them.
- Alcohol
Alcohol taste is pleasing for most dogs, but no type of alcohol is good for them. When ingested, even in small amounts, it can cause life-threatening toxicity. Alcohols, especially beers, can cause vomiting, elevated body temperature, palpitations, and in worst cases death. Never share your adult drink with your dog, and you will avoid losing the furry member of the family.
- Coffee and Tea
If you’re expecting friends for an after-dinner coffee, make sure to keep your pets away from the group and don’t leave your coffee anywhere that your pets could take a sip of it. The caffeine content in coffee is quite high and can prompt abnormal heart rhythm, seizure and even death. Other caffeinated beverages, such as teas, can cause the same effect.
- Ham or Turkey Skin
Ham and turkey are staples at every holiday feast. But did you know that the outermost layer of your turkey and ham can be harmful to your pooch? The skin absorbs the most amounts of spices, marinades, oils and butter that were used to cook the meat, and all of them are very hard for your dog’s body to digest. Moreover, the high fat content in meat skin can cause pancreatitis in animals.
If, despite taking all the necessary precautions, your dog gets into mischief and ingests any of these foods, the first thing to do is contact your pet’s veterinarian. The earlier your dog gets treated, the easier and more successful the treatment will be.