For many of us, the holiday season brings festivities, fun, and plenty of tasty food and treats. While we’re busy celebrating, it’s important to make sure that our four-legged friends aren’t sniffing their noses into any plates containing foods that may be unsafe for them! Our pet’s puppy-dog eyes under the table might be tempting, but not all of our celebratory foods are safe for their digestive systems. Learn how to include them in the celebrations safely and what to do if their paws get into something they shouldn’t below.
Pet-Safe Holiday Foods
Although human food is never recommended for pets, you can still include them in your holiday snacking traditions. There are a few foods they can enjoy in moderation, such as:
Plain Cooked Turkey
- As long as turkey doesn’t have any seasoning or skin, it can be a great source of lean protein for dogs and cats.
Pumpkin
- Cooked pumpkin that doesn’t contain any sugar or spices can help soothe upset stomachs in pets and is beneficial for their digestive health.
Green Beans
- Can be enjoyed fresh or cooked, as long as there is no spices or salt!
Cooked Sweet Potatoes
- Save the marshmallows and butter and serve these to your pets plain. They’re rich in fiber and vitamins!
Apples
- As long as there are no seeds or core remaining, apple slices are a safe sweet treat.
Holiday Foods to Avoid
While the suggestions listed above won’t harm your pet in moderation, there are plenty of foods that your four-legged friend can’t partake in — even as a festive treat! You should always ensure that the following foods are kept far out of paw’s reach:
Chocolate
- This sweet might be enjoyed by humans, but it’s highly toxic for animals. Once ingested, it can cause symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, and even death.
Bones from Meat
- It might seem harmless to feed your pet a leftover chicken, turkey, or ham bone — however, cooked bones can splinter and cause serious internal injuries.
Onions and Garlic
- These common additives contain compounds that can cause anemia and damage red blood cells in pets and should be avoided in all forms — including raw, powdered, and cooked.
Milk and Other Dairy Products
- Most pets are lactose intolerant (yes, even cats!) so refrain from sneaking them any dairy products to avoid stomach upset, diarrhea, and discomfort.
Grapes and Raisins
- Tartaric acid is the toxic principle in grapes and raisins. Since pets are not able to excrete tartaric acid, exposure to it can cause life-threatening kidney failure.
What to Do If Pets Ingest Forbidden Foods
Even with the closest supervision, accidents can still happen. If your pet gets into foods that are toxic for them, it’s important to stay calm so you can best handle the situation!
Calling your veterinarian (or an emergency vet if your usual clinic’s office is closed for the holidays) is crucial, as they can advise you on whether your pet needs to be brought in immediately or if they can be monitored at home. Be sure to have your pet’s information ready such as age, weight, and breed, as well as details on what they ingested, how much they ate, and when.
If you can’t contact a veterinarian, a pet help hotline is a great second option. The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center can be reached 24/7 by calling (888) 426-4435 or the 24/7 Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661. Both services can help you assess the situation and provide you with recommended next steps.
Celebrate Safely With Your Pet
This time of year should be filled with fun and celebration — not worry and stress about your pet! You can include them in the festivities by sharing a few holiday foods as a treat, but always in moderation and according to their dietary restrictions. By ensuring to avoid harmful foods and being prepared for an emergency event, both your two-legged and four-legged family members can enjoy the holiday cheer safely!
For more information on how to keep your furry-family safe during the holidays, speak with a NewDay Veterinary Care professional as we close in on the holiday season!
