Holiday Foods to Avoid: Keeping Your Dog Safe and Healthy

The holiday season is filled with delicious treats and festive meals, but not all of these foods are safe for your furry friend. If you’re planning to travel and need reliable care for your pet during the festivities, consider Dog Boarding to ensure your dog stays safe and well cared for while you’re away. To keep your dog healthy at home, here are some common holiday foods to avoid giving to your pet. 

1. Chocolate

Chocolate is one of the most common holiday treats, but it’s also highly toxic to dogs. Chocolate contains theobromine, which dogs cannot metabolize properly. Even small amounts can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, or more serious issues like seizures. Keep all forms of chocolate, especially dark and baking chocolate, far out of reach. 

2. Grapes and Raisins

Grapes and raisins may seem like a harmless snack, but they can cause kidney failure in dogs. Whether they’re served in fruitcake or mixed into salads, these tiny fruits can lead to symptoms like vomiting, lethargy, and decreased appetite. It’s important to avoid giving your dog any dishes that might contain grapes or raisins. 

3. Onions and Garlic

Onions and garlic are commonly used in holiday dishes, but they’re extremely toxic to dogs. These vegetables can damage a dog’s red blood cells, leading to anemia. Whether raw, cooked, or powdered, avoid giving your dog anything seasoned with onions, garlic, or related vegetables like leeks and chives. 

4. Fatty Meats

Holiday roasts and rich gravies are often high in fat, which can be hard for your dog to digest. Fatty foods can lead to pancreatitis, a painful condition that causes inflammation in the pancreas. Keep fatty meats like ham, sausage, and turkey skin away from your dog, and opt for lean, plain meats if you want to share a small treat. 

5. Alcohol

While it might seem obvious to avoid giving alcohol to your pet, many holiday desserts and drinks contain alcohol in hidden forms. Even small amounts of alcohol can be dangerous, leading to symptoms like vomiting, lack of coordination, and in severe cases, coma or death. Keep alcoholic beverages and desserts, like rum cake, out of your dog’s reach. 

6. Xylitol

Xylitol, an artificial sweetener often found in sugar-free gum, candy, and baked goods, is extremely toxic to dogs. It can cause a sudden release of insulin, leading to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). This can result in symptoms like vomiting, loss of coordination, and seizures. Always check the labels of holiday treats to ensure they don’t contain xylitol if they are near your dog. 

7. Macadamia Nuts

Macadamia nuts are often used in holiday cookies and treats, but they can be harmful to dogs. Eating even a small number of macadamia nuts can cause vomiting, weakness, tremors, and hyperthermia. Keep cookies and other snacks containing these nuts away from your pet to prevent these dangerous symptoms. 

8. Cooked Bones

While you might think that a bone from your holiday turkey or ham would make a great treat for your dog, cooked bones can splinter and cause serious injuries. These splinters can damage your dog’s mouth, throat, or intestines. If you want to give your dog a bone, make sure it’s a safe, raw bone specifically designed for pets. 

9. Dairy Products

Many holiday dishes include dairy, such as cheese boards, creamy sauces, and desserts like cheesecake. However, many dogs are lactose intolerant, meaning they can’t properly digest dairy products. Feeding your dog dairy can lead to upset stomach, diarrhea, and bloating. It’s best to avoid giving your dog any dairy-based foods. 

10. Sugary Sweets

From pies to cookies, sugary treats are a staple of holiday celebrations, but they’re not suitable for dogs. High sugar intake can contribute to weight gain, dental issues, and even diabetes in dogs. Stick to dog-friendly treats rather than offering your pet any sugary human desserts. 

What to Do if Your Dog Eats a Harmful Food 

If you suspect your dog has eaten any of these toxic foods, it’s crucial to act quickly. Contact your vet immediately or reach out to a pet poison hotline for advice. Early intervention can make a significant difference in preventing serious health issues. 

Safe Alternatives for Your Dog 

Instead of giving your dog dangerous human foods, offer safe, pet-friendly treats. Plain turkey meat (without skin or seasoning), carrot sticks, green beans, or small amounts of pumpkin puree are great holiday snacks that are safe for dogs. 

Conclusion 

While the holidays are a time to celebrate, it’s important to remember that not all festive foods are safe for your dog. By avoiding the harmful foods mentioned above and providing dog-friendly alternatives, you can ensure your furry friend stays happy and healthy throughout the holiday season. After the festivities, if your dog needs a fresh look, you can book an appointment for dog grooming Carrollton to keep them looking their best. 

If you need additional help with caring for your pet during the holidays, Paw Oasis Pet Resort & Spa is here to provide professional boarding and grooming services in Carrollton.