Part of proper pet care is making sure your dog or cat has a healthy diet. This entails providing nutritious foods as well as knowing which items to avoid. This can be a real challenge for pet owners during the holidays if your guests are inclined to offer treats and table scraps to your animal without your permission. Below are a few items to keep away from pets and well-meaning guests.

3 Foods Your Pet Should Not Eat During the Holidays

1. Chocolate

Chocolate is highly toxic to dogs. While the toxicity depends on the type of chocolate, the size of the dog, and the amount consumed, you must be vigilant about preventing your pet from consuming this substance. If you believe your dog has eaten chocolate and they are experiencing symptoms like rapid breathing, vomiting, and increased heart rate, visit a pet care professional as soon as possible.

2. Bones

Bones from steaks or turkey dinners are quite enticing to both dogs and cats. While you may see no harm in giving these leftovers to your pets, small bones are easy to choke on. Bones can also cause other types of health issues. They may splinter and lacerate the mouth, or the excessive chewing may damage your pet’s teeth, which could call for emergency pet care. Keep bones away from all pets, and instead provide them safe and delicious treats or chew toys to keep them occupied.

3. Onions & Garlic

Onions, garlic, and chives are toxic to both dogs and cats. Pets will experience nausea and vomiting, and in more serious cases, they may develop anemia, which is characterized by a low blood cell count. This condition can be fatal under certain circumstances, so keep any dishes containing these items away from your pets. This includes dishes seasoned with derivatives like onion or garlic powder.

If you have questions about pet care this holiday season, Mt. Washington Animal Clinic in Mount Washington, KY, has the answers you need. With more than four decades of experience, this vet office provides everything from routine exams to behavioral counseling. If your dog or cat has special dietary needs, these vets will work with you to provide wholesome and nutritious foods your pet will love. They also offer microchipping to ensure your pet can be easily found if they go missing, and they will board your animal if you’re traveling for the holidays. Schedule an appointment by calling (502) 955-6822, and learn more about their services by visiting the website.