It’s the most wonderful time of the year ~ Choose to avoid the not so wonderful food choices for your pets
What Not to Feed your Fur Family During the Holidays
As the holidays are upon us, so are the thoughts of our holiday meal choices. We see the eagerness in the eyes of our furry friends. Anticipating the offerings that may fall their way. Do we consider the effects these choices may have on their digestion tracts? Let us help you make a choice that will keep your pets happy and healthy during these times.
Because these food tend to be plentiful around the holidays, we need to be alert as our pets move around our homes. Be mindful of the reach they may have with your kitchen tables and counter tops. While our dogs may not have the leaping ability, we all know our cats are secretly trapeze artists. Hidden talents are the gem of our furry friends. They may work a crowd like no other. Caution your guests not to fall for the circulation method, seeking the hand out from another.
The big NO NO Food List
Bones
Onions
Garlic
Grapes
Raisins
Alcohol
Chocolate
Coffee
Nuts
Yeast dough
Fatty meats including meat scraps
Poultry Bones
Turkey Skin
Milk
Nutmeg
Xylitol
Holiday foods high in fat are extremely difficult for our pets to digest causing pancreatitis. Pancreatitis is very painful and can lead to diarrhea, vomiting, and weakness.
Those NO NOs may be hidden in your most favorite holiday dish. Plan ahead and be prepared when it comes to making your home a safe environment for your furry friends. When we think of those most used ingredients we need to be aware of the effects they may have.
Onions present the highest risk of toxicity – eating a very small amount can have severe effects. which causes red blood cells to burst in cats and dogs and can lead to hemolytic anemia. Symptoms to watch for include shortness of breath, lethargy, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Healthy Holiday Treats
Did someone say Peanut Butter and Pumpkin Dog Treats? (or) 5 Easy Dog Treat Recipes?
As we all gather this time of year and share in the many traditions, old and new, what better way to celebrate than over a meal. Keeping all who dwell and all who enter safe during our holidays is just a thought away. Be prepared. Understand your surroundings and the needs of all who grace your presence. Here at Companion Animal Veterinary Services, we would like to extend our most endearing holiday wishes to you and your entire family and friends!
Blog Written: Doreen Levers