The holidays are always a little chaotic, and it’s natural for your furry friends to get lost in the shuffle as a result. They might jump up on the counter when no one’s looking or lick the dishes you’ve placed in the dishwasher whenever they get the chance. It’s important to keep a close eye on your dogs over the holidays, though, because there are a lot of food items they can get their paws on that could pose serious health problems. To avoid having to rush to the animal hospital while everyone’s opening presents, keep these foods away from the pups.

3 Foods That Are Dangerous for Dogs 

1. Chocolate 

Chocolate desserts are a staple around the holidays. Unfortunately, dogs can get incredibly sick from eating even moderate amounts of chocolate. Significant spikes in their cardiovascular and central nervous systems can occur along with nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Watch out for dark chocolate in particular, as the higher the cacao content, the more dangerous it is for dogs. At the other end of the spectrum, white chocolate is pretty safe for dogs, as it contains little to no cacao.

If you think your dog has consumed more than just a bite of chocolate, don’t wait for symptoms to appear. Head to the animal hospital immediately to prevent life-threatening complications. 

2. Meat & Bones

A nice big bone might seem like a well-deserved treat, but it can pose a danger for dogs. Cooked bones can splinter as your dog chews them. If the splinters puncture the digestive track, emergency surgery may be necessary. And while a couple of scraps of ham or turkey aren’t going to harm your pup, moderation should be your watchword—if multiple family members are sneaking bites to your dog, all that rich food can add up to a very upset stomach.

3. Grapes & Raisins

Grapes contain an unknown toxin that can cause kidney failure in dogs. That means raisins—and any dishes containing ingredients like red wine vinegar—are off-limits, too. Signs that your dog could be facing kidney failure include lethargy, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, panting, and a dry nose and mouth. Take your pup to an animal hospital right away if these symptoms are present.

If your dogs are exhibiting any strange symptoms that make you think they may have gotten into something they shouldn’t have, head to High Point Veterinary Hospital right away. The friendly team at this full-service animal hospital is proud to serve pet owners throughout Guilford, Randolph, Davidson, and Forsyth counties. Since 2004, they’ve been providing quality pet care and offer comprehensive services to all their clients, including dog boarding, grooming, and bathing. They also have a full-service pharmacy on site. To view their monthly specials so you can save on quality pet care, check out their website. To make an appointment with a trusted veterinarian, call (336) 889-3832.