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Autumn is upon us, and though the days are getting darker, the season remains bright with festive holidays lined up to keep our spirits high. While it’s tempting and appropriate to let loose a little, our responsibility to take care of our pets remains the same. Animals react adversely to the holiday meals we love, and even just a few bites of an off-limits food could end up causing seizures, organ failure, and even death.
Between one too many drinks and parties filled with guests, accidents can happen. But it’s up to you as a pet owner to protect your loved one from harm’s way. You can do so by not letting your furry friend get ahold of the following ingredients:
1. Alcohol
Naturally, it’s a bad idea to get your pet drunk. But aside from the fact that their smaller bodies can’t handle alcohol as much as ours can, drinks like beer and wine can also quickly lead to comas and even death.
2. Caffeine
Alcohol isn’t the only holiday drink off-limits. Caffeine is deadly for canines, so be sure to keep your pumpkin spice lattes out of reach.
3. Chocolate
Chocolate contains a toxic combination of caffeine and theobromine, meaning you shouldn’t let your pets’ paws on it.
4. Ham and Bacon
You may think all meat can get the green light for Fido’s midday snack, but the truth is just the opposite. Pork dishes and other high-fat meats can cause pancreatitis in your pets, so let them pass on the Christmas ham.
5. High-Fat Nuts
Don’t let your pet near the pecan pie. Nuts with high levels of fat, including walnuts, macadamia nuts, pistachios, and pecans, can cause serious health complications in animals and may be a choking hazard.
Your local veterinary hospital is here to help when your pet needs medical care. If you suspect your pet has ingested harmful food, don’t hesitate to contact them immediately. Your veterinarian can also provide guidance on creating a more well-rounded diet for your pet at any stage of life.