During the holiday season, your home is likely to be filled with delicious food. While you might be focused on not overindulging in treats yourself, you also need to be concerned about your dog. To keep them healthy during the holidays and out of the veterinarian’s office, avoid letting them have any of these treats. 

5 Holiday Foods Your Dog Should Never Eat

1. Candy & Chocolate

Your children might love sweets during the holidays, but remind them to keep their candy canes and chocolate Santas away from the dog. Candy contains high amounts of sugar, which isn’t good for dogs, but even more concerning is that many popular sweets contain xylitol. This artificial sweetener can result in hypoglycemia and hurt your pet’s liver.

Chocolate is also toxic to dogs. It can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and even seizures in dogs. 

2. Garlic & Onions 

Resist the urge to slip your dog some of your famous stuffing if it contains onions or garlic. These foods, no matter how they are added to dishes can make your dog sick and potentially lead to anemia. 

3. Alcohol

When friends and family are over to celebrate the holidays, take care that alcoholic drinks are placed out of reach of your pets. Alcohol can have a similar effect on dogs as it has on humans, making your animal appear intoxicated. Veterinarians warn that alcohol can also cause illness and long-term damage to your pet’s liver and respiratory system. Pets should stick to water instead. 

4. Turkey

While you can offer your dog some cooked, unseasoned turkey meat, check that none of the meat contains bones. Bones can get caught in their throat or digestive system, and removing them may require surgery.

5. Raisins & Grapes

If you plan to use raisins in your holiday cooking, be careful that your dog doesn’t eat any of them. Raisins and grapes contain compounds that can be toxic to dogs even in small amounts. 

If you think your pet has eaten something they shouldn’t have, turn to the veterinarians at Ohana Veterinary Hospital in Honolulu, HI, for help. For over 20 years, the family-owned animal hospital has treated Oahu’s pets with warmth and compassion. In addition to general and emergency vet care, they provide vaccinations, nutritional counseling, and pet surgery. Learn more about their team and services online, or call (808) 845-1762 for an appointment.