The holiday season is a time for gathering and enjoying great food. It can also be a time for accidental pet tummy troubles. Follow these tips!
With guests coming and going, plates left unattended, and lots of tempting aromas, it’s easier than you might think for pets to gobble up something they shouldn’t. Knowing the difference between safe-in-moderation foods versus those that can send your pet to the emergency vet is essential for a happy and healthy holiday season.
Toxic Foods Your Pet Could Encounter During the Holidays
Chocolate and cocoa are big no-no’s for both dogs and cats. Grapes and raisins could cause kidney failure in short order. Onions, garlic, and leeks – cooked, raw, or powdered – can damage your pet’s red blood cells. Cooked bones, like turkey and ham, can splinter and cause choking or internal injury. Fatty foods, such as gravy, butter, and drippings are too rich for our pets, and could cause acute pancreatitis. Xylitol, a sugar substitute found in sugar-free gum, candies, and desserts, is EXTREMELY DANGEROUS for dogs. Alcoholic beverages and foods cooked with alcohol must also be avoided.
Foods You Can Share with Your Pet in Moderation
If you want to share with your pets, a few simple foods can be shared safely as long as they are served plain and unseasoned. Small pieces of turkey or chicken without skin or bones can be shared in moderation. Plain sweet potatoes, green beans, pure pumpkin puree, and apple slices are also safe for your pet. Be cognizant of portion sizes, though, especially in the winter when our pets are less active.
Winter and Holiday Considerations for Foothills Pets
Like humans, cold weather often means less outdoor activity for pets, which can result in weight gain during the holidays. Rich foods combined with reduced exercise can very quickly add up. Holiday stress, new routines, and house guests can also affect your pet’s digestion. It’s important to try sticking to their regular feeding schedules as much as possible.
SEE: Why Foothills Dog Walking is So Important in the Winter
Tips for Safer Holiday Gatherings
Chances are, your loved ones also love your pets, and they love giving them treats. It’s important that you set clear no feeding rules for guests. One guest offering a bite of sweet potato might be okay, but if all your guests offer a treat, your pet could get sick from overfeeding. No sneaky snacking!
When holiday travel or packed schedules make routines more difficult to manage, Woofie’s of the Denver Foothills is here to help. From dog walking and overnight pet sitting to mobile grooming to keep your pets clean and guest-ready, our pet care team can help you enjoy the season with better peace of mind.
A little planning goes a long way toward a healthier, happier holiday for you and your pet!
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Schedule your appointment today and treat your pooch to the pampering they truly deserve with Woofie’s of the Denver Foothills!