5 Common Holiday Foods to Keep Away from Pets - Steer Clear of Holiday Hazards This Christmas

The holiday season is a time for joy, cheer, and delicious treats. But some festive foods can be dangerous for your furry friends. Here’s a guide to help keep your pets safe.

5 Common Holiday Foods to Keep Away from Pets

1. Chocolate
   This sweet treat can be toxic to dogs and cats. The reason why pets can’t have Chocolate It contains theobromine, which is highly toxic even in small amounts—especially to small dogs. In extreme cases, chocolate consumption can lead to heart arrhythmias and be fatal. ​​If a dog gets into chocolate, immediately take them to the emergency vet. 
   
   Symptoms of chocolate toxicity include vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, rapid breathing, and elevated heart rate.
   
   
2. Candy
   Candy canes, cookies, popcorn, cranberry garlands, and especially candy with artificial sweeteners like xylitol can be very dangerous for pets. Xylitol can cause low blood sugar, liver failure, and even death.  And just because candy is sugar-free doesn’t mean it’s safe. Xylitol, occasionally found in sugar-free candy or gum, is highly toxic in pets, says Nicole Savageau, VMD, a veterinarian with The Vets.
   
   
3. Nuts
   Nuts like almonds, walnuts, and pecans can be toxic to pets. The reason why your dog shouldn’t have nuts is not only because of their high-fat content but also due to the possibility of mold contamination, says Dr. Ardente. They may also pose a choking hazard. 
   Signs that your dog may be sick after eating nuts are vomiting, fever, diarrhea, Tremors or Seizures, and pancreatitis.  

    

4. Fatty Foods
   Rich foods like gravy, turkey skin, and stuffing can be highly toxic and leave your pet susceptible to a kind of inflammation called pancreatitis, according to Dr. Mader. Pancreatitis produces excessive digestive enzymes that swiftly damage a dog’s intestinal tract—and, if not treated aggressively at a vet, death is likely, warns Dr. Mader.
   
   
5. Eggnog and Other Dairy Products
   Creamy foods and beverages are tasty for humans and pets—but are strictly off-limits for dogs. The ingredients in eggnog can be especially harmful to your dogs, such as alcohol, dairy, fat, raw eggs, sugar, and spices, which can cause diarrhea and other digestive problems and may trigger a food allergy for some pets.

What To Do If Your Dogs Eats Toxic Foods

If you suspect your pet has ingested a dangerous substance, contact your veterinarian immediately or take them to the nearest veterinary or pet emergency clinic. You can also call the Pet Poison Helpline at 855-764-7661 for advice.

How To Keep Your Dog Safe From Holiday Foods They Shouldn’t Eat

• Keep dangerous foods out of reach.
• Politely discourage guests from feeding your pets human food.
• Offer pet-friendly holiday treats to prevent them from sneaking forbidden snacks.

Happy Holidays from SHIBA & CO!