While it’s tempting to include your pets in Thanksgiving and holiday celebrations, certain foods and drinks may be dangerous to their health. Even some holiday decorations and toys can be a problem if your pet plays with or ingests them. It’s important to be aware of holiday-related items that could be a danger to your pet, and recognize the warning signs of accidental poisoning, illness, or injury. This way, you can take your pet to an emergency veterinarian in Humble, TX if needed. Here are some tips for keeping your pet safe from holiday dangers.
Keep Treats to a Minimum
While some human foods are safe for pets, they should only be given in moderation, and you should make sure that they don’t contain any other ingredients that could be harmful to your pet. For instance, if you want to give your pet a few small pieces of turkey, make sure the skin and bones are removed and there is no gravy or sauce on it. Be careful about giving your pets dishes that have a lot of sugar, spices, or salt. If you are giving your pet seasonal pet treats, follow the recommended serving instructions on the packaging. Even though these treats are safe for pets, they can cause gastrointestinal issues and health problems if you give your pet too many in one day.
Be Aware of Toxic Foods and Drinks
Make sure your pet can’t get into the garbage and won’t be able to eat scraps from the table or that fall to the floor while you’re cooking or preparing food. Be aware of ingredients and foods that can be toxic to pets or that can pose a choking hazard or cause a dangerous bowel obstruction, including:
- Garlic
- Onions
- Chives
- Raisins and grapes
- Macadamia nuts
- Citrus rinds
- Avocado
- Raw or undercooked meat
- Animal bones
- Chocolate
- Coffee and caffeine
- Artificial sweeteners like xylitol
- Alcohol
- Yeast and uncooked dough
- Cooking twine
- Twist ties or robber bands from food packaging
Keep Holiday Decor and Gifts Away from Your Pets
Certain holiday decor and gifts can also be dangerous to pets. They can be toxic when ingested or could cause choking or bowel obstructions. Be aware of what holiday guests are bringing into your home and make sure they know not to feed your pet scraps or treats or leave items in reach of your pet. Dangerous holiday decor and gifts could include:
- Animal or kids’ toys that contain small parts that could be chewed off and ingested
- Ribbons and bows
- Floral arrangements
- Medication
- Gum
- Sugar free candies and mints
- Chocolate
How to Handle a Holiday Pet Emergency
If your pet is showing signs of distress, injury, or poisoning, it’s important to take them to an emergency veterinary hospital right away. At Animal Emergency Clinic North East, we’re an American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) accredited veterinary hospital in Humble, TX offering 24/7 emergency animal care. Call us now to let us know you’re on your way, or just come straight over for emergency animal care.