By: Dalton Carter DVM
The holiday season is a time for family, friends, and feasting. While you’re enjoying festive foods and treats, however, it’s important to remember that some of these holiday foods can pose serious risks to your furry family members.
With the holiday season quickly approaching, we here at Dogwood Veterinary Clinic, your local animal hospital in Louisville, KY, want to help you keep your pets safe and healthy during this season. Here is a quick guide to common holiday foods that are dangerous for dogs and cats—and what you can do to avoid a trip to the emergency animal hospital.
The following foods should be avoided entirely as they are toxic to dogs and cats and can be extremely harmful:
Chocolate (or other sugary sweets)
Grapes or Raisins
Avocados
Onions
Garlic
Nutmeg
Macadamia Nuts
If your pet accidentally ingests any of these harmful foods, contact us here at Dogwood or an emergency animal hospital immediately; time is often critical in preventing serious complications. The Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 may also be contacted for guidance. Dogwood Veterinary Clinic, although not open after hours is often available for same day appointments, urgent care appointments and emergency appointments during our regular office hours.
It is also very important to avoid feeding your pet rich, fatty foods such as ham, gravy, or mashed potatoes. Even just a small amount of a fatty food can cause pancreatitis – a painful and potentially life-threatening condition. A safe alternative for a treat to give your pet this holiday would be plain, cooked chicken or turkey with no seasonings or additives. Small bites of unseasoned carrots or green beans are also another great and safe snack!
Additionally, please refrain from offering any form of cooked bones or carcasses this holiday. While sharing these with your pet may seem harmless, cooked bones are brittle and can splinter easily. Ingesting these bones can lead to choking, gastrointestinal blockages, or tears in the digestive tract. A safe alternative to give is a soft chew toy such as a Kong to occupy your pet during mealtimes.
By keeping harmful foods out of reach and providing safe alternatives, you can ensure a joyful and worry-free holiday season for both you and your pets.
From all of us here at Dogwood Veterinary Clinic, happy holidays! We’re here for you and your furry friends in Louisville, Crestwood, Prospect and Oldham County year-round, and if you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us at (502) 710 – 0170.