What NOT to Feed Your Pets During the Holidays (or beyond)

As a food blogger and clinical veterinarian, I thought it would be a good idea to share some of the food "no-no's" of pet ownership with my readers who love their fluffy friends during the Holiday Season or beyond.


Pet parents should avoid feeding table scraps at all times, however, they must be ever more vigilent during the holidays when houseguests and even owners are tempted to through a few pieces of turkey or roast beef Fi-Fi's way.  

Feeding dogs (in particular) this way can lead to a painful condition called pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) and other gastrointestinal disturbances or allergic reactions.
If you want to give Spot a special treat during family dinner, offer him a pet-friendly treat made for animals.

Our four-legged friends can develop or be predisposed to food allergies as well, so pay close attention anytime their diets are changed, even slightly.  Food allergies may present as (but not be limited to) itchy skin or diarrhea.

Also beware of plants an other seemingly benign household items.  There have been reports of up to 10,000 pet poisonings in the United  States annually.

 

Below is a list of the few things you should avoid exposing your pets to.  This in NOT an exhaustive list.  Your veterinarian should be consulted in any case where you are concerned about the health of your pet.

When in doubt call:

1. Your primary veterinarian
2. One or more nearby 24-hour veterinary emergency clinics
3. ASPCA Poison Control: (888) 426-4435 ($50 fee)
4. Animal Poison Hotline: 888-232-8870 ($35 fee)
5. Pet Poison Hotline: 800-213-6680 ($35 fee)

What NOT to feed dogs:

GRAPES/RAISINS:
-Known to cause renal (kidney) failure

CHOCOLATE:
-Dark or Baker's chocolate contains higher amounts of doggie toxin versus Milk or White Chocolate, however, your best bet is to avoid exposure to all chocolate.

MACADAMIAN NUTS:
-Can cause neurologic, musculoskeletal, and ambulation issues.

AVOCADO:
-The persin in avocados can cause diarrhea and vomiting

SUGAR FREE GUM AND CANDIES:
-Xylitol (an artificial sweetner) can cause liver failure

ONIONS:
-Onions and similar produces such as garlic and chives, can cause hemolytic anemia (anemia caused by destruction of normal red blood cells) which can eventually lead to renal (kidney) failure.

ROCK FRUITS:
-Namely (peaches, plums, apples, cherries) and more specifically, their pits/seeds contain cyanide and thus may lead to respiratory difficulty and other clinical signs of cyanide poisoning if ingested.

POISONOUS PLANTS (TO DOGS):
-Here's a link to a list of plants which are poisonous to dogs: http://dogs.about.com/od/dogandpuppyhealth/a/Poisonous-Plants-And-Your-Dog.htm

*Before bringing new plants into your home, especially those which are easily accessible to your dog, check whether they pose a risk*

MEDICATIONS:
-USE DRUGS AS PRESCRIBED ONLY!
This includes drugs prescribed to you by your MD and drugs prescribed by your veterinarian.
Do not use left over drugs to treat a symptom you have seen before.  Symptoms can be common to MANY clinical problems and diseases.  Consult with your veterinarian first.

What NOT to feed your cat:

MEDICATIONS:
Again, DO NOT ADMINISTER DRUGS TO YOUR CATS that were not prescribed specifically for a current condition, or as a preventative, by your veteirnarian

ACETAMINOPHEN (Tylenol):
-Cats are unable to metabolize acetaminophen as humans do.  Tylenol is hepatotoxic (toxic to the liver) and can cause severe liver damage and failure.
-If your can (or any other pet) appears to be in pain, call your veterinarian.  Do not administer drugs without veterinary guidance.

CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS:
-Cats are playful creatures.  Keep tinsel, ornament hooks, string, and tree needles out of their reach.

ETHYLENE GLYCOL (ANTIFREEZE):
-This goes for dogs (and any living creature) as well, however, because cats are such fastidious groomers, they may be at higher risk of exposure if antifreeze is on their paws (say from walking around int he garage).
-Antifreeze causes crystals to form in the kidneys which will eventually lead to renal (kidney) failure if not treated right away and aggressively.

ECTOPARASITE (FLEE/LICE/TICK) TREATMENTS:
-DO NOT APPLY YOUR DOG'S FLEA TREATMENTS TO YOUR CAT
-Even if your dog is small and the weights are not too different between house cat and dog, drugs in the dog's meds may be toxic to cats.
-AGAIN ONLY USE DRUGS AS PRESCRIBED BY YOUR VETERINARIAN

POISONOUS PLANTS:
-Here is a list of plants which are poisonous to cats: http://cats.about.com/cs/catmanagement101/a/poisonplants.htm
 FOR CHRISTMAS:  Poinsettias, Misteltoe, and Lillies are all poisonous to cats.

Bird Toxins:

Birds are sensitive to a number of household cleansing products (BLEACH, ammonium, nail polish remover, and oven cleaner) as well as heavy metals (found in teflon pans/pots and other coated cookware, etc.)


Birds have sensitive respiratory systems and should be isolated when using products containing these cleansers or when cooking using teflon-coated cookware.

Have a Happy and Safe Holiday Season!

-DrFoodie (Food Blogger & Veterinarian)