While holidays are a time to indulge in delicious dishes and sweet treats, these foods have no place in your pet’s diet. While it can be tempting to feed them scraps from the table, certain holiday foods can send them to the local animal hospital. Before the holidays begin, be aware of what foods veterinarians want pet owners to keep away from their four-legged family members.

A Guide to Holiday Foods that Are Dangerous to Pets

1. Turkey Skin & Bones

High in fat, spices, oil, marinades, and butter that caused digestion difficulties for pets, turkey skin can cause pancreatitis if it’s consumed in large enough amounts. The bones from turkey and other meat dishes must also be kept out of dog and cat mouths because they can present choking hazards.

2. Chocolate

Whether by itself or part of a dessert, chocolate causes can be toxic for dogs. Its caffeine and theobromine content are challenging for canines to metabolize and can cause symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, rapid breathing, and muscle rigidity. It can also be fatal in large amounts without immediate veterinary care. 

3. Mashed Potatoes & Gravy

Mashed potatoes frequently contain garlic that can cause toxic anemia in pets. High amounts of butter and milk are also difficult for animals to digest, resulting in diarrhea, vomiting, and pancreatitis, depending on how much was consumed. Gravy is also bad for pets due to the fat and sodium content. High sodium intake can cause hypernatremia in dogs, a condition resulting in seizures and organ failure.

4. Grapes & Raisins

Fruitcake and other holiday desserts featuring grapes or raisins must be out of your dog’s reach. Veterinarians stress that the fruits cause severe, if not fatal, toxic reactions in canines, with symptoms including vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, abdominal pain, oral ulcers, and seizures. 

Don’t hesitate to bring your pet to Tender Care Animal Hospital if you suspect that they have consumed any of these holiday foods. The veterinarians at this fear-free-certified animal hospital in Prairie du Chien, WI, strive to make visits as stress-free for pets as possible. Call (608) 326-7101 today to schedule an appointment or learn more about fear-free services online, and like these veterinarians on Facebook for the latest pet news and tips.