The kitchen is the place to be during the holidays – for you and your pet. Delicious aromas, pleasant company, and tempting morsels dropped to the floor make it particularly appealing to Snowflake and Boots. But there are some ingredients that you need to make sure don’t make their way onto your pet’s menu…
Don’t give the dog a bone. Bones can splinter and cause intestinal blockages or lacerations, especially after they are cooked. Don’t be tempted to treat your dog to a bone this holiday.
It’s not all gravy. Gravies have an especially delicious scent that attract curious pets. Popular lore would make you think that it’s okay to feed your dog from “The Gravy Train”. Don’t do it. The rich ingredients in this holiday recipe may put your dog at risk for pancreatitis.
Take out the trash. Whoever is responsible for this chore needs to be extra diligent over the holidays. Baking bags, disposable dishes, bones, and other discarded food or containers are a huge temptation for dogs and cats.
Drinking buddies. Let’s make this clear. Alcohol may only be served to two legged creatures 21 years of age and older. Spirits, wine, beer, and foods with alcohol (like rum cake) can cause vomiting, diarrhea, problems with coordination, breathing problems and death. Watch for unfinished drinks left sitting on a table.
These are the pits. Avocados, plums, and other foods with pits contain substances that are harmful to your pets. Avocados contain persin, peaches and other seeds contain cyanide.
Sweet poison. Xylitol is an artificial sweetener most commonly associated with sugar-free gum, but it’s also found in some syrups, baking mixes, candies and jellies. Only a small amount can be lethal for your dog!
Chocoholics anonymous. We know that chocolate is one of the major food groups for man, but for man’s best friend, it’s a huge health hazard. The darker the chocolate, the more problematic it is.
Not to worry, though. The Grinch hasn’t stolen all the Christmas feast. Believe it or not, there really are human treats that you all can share together, as you can read here. Put these on your Christmas menu, and your whole family -including your pet – can rest easy knowing that your festivities will be safe for everyone – from the holidays all the way through the new year!
