Holiday Foods That Can be Dangerous for Pets

dog chef with egg beaterThe holidays always include great meals and treats. You might want to share your holiday treats with your pets, but many holiday foods can actually be dangerous for your dog or cat. Remind your family about foods that are poisonous for your beloved pets.

Caffeine in any form should never be given to pets. They can affect your dog or cat’s nervous system, intestines, stomach and heart. The symptoms include things as mild as restlessness to more obvious signs like seizures.

Alcohol affects your pet quickly and can cause drops in his blood sugar, body temperature and blood pressure. Animals that are intoxicated may have respiratory failure or seizures. Desserts that contain dough with yeast or alcohol are no-no’s for pets.

Everyone probably knows by now that chocolate is dangerous for pets. It contains caffeine and fat, and dark chocolate is even worse than milk chocolate. If your dog or cat eats chocolate, he may experience diarrhea, vomiting, excess urination, tremors, hyperactivity, heart arrhythmia or seizures.

Bones and fat trimmings can both be dangerous to dogs. Fat may cause pancreatitis, and bones may splinter and lacerate or obstruct your pet’s digestive system. Fatty foods can case diarrhea and vomiting. Yorkies and shelties are even more susceptible to pancreatitis.

Fruits may contain toxins that are dangerous for your pet. Plums and peaches have pits or seeds. The pits of plums and peaches contain cyanide, which is poisonous to humans as well as pets.

Raisins and grapes are especially dangerous for pets. They can cause kidney failure, which means that your pet will have toxins in his system that cannot be filtered. If your dog is small, as few as four grapes may cause problems.

Macadamia nuts contain a toxin that may affect the muscles, nervous systems and digestive systems of dogs.

In addition, your after-meal garbage should be pet-proofed. Bags and plastic wrap, along with leftovers, could cause problems for your pet. Other things like fat trimmings tossed out after meals may cause strangulation. It will help to feed your dog a good meal before your dinner, so he won’t be as apt to steal or beg food from you and your guests.