How to Avoid Holiday Pet Emergencies
Foods to keep your pets away from:
- Chocolate/sweets – Risk of theobromine toxicity, xyiltol toxitcity and if those sweet treats contian rasins and/or currants it is also an emergency. You may seeing vomiting/diarrhea, high heart rate, tremors, and worse case seizures. If your pet consumes any of these ingredients it is a medical emergency!
- Garlic, Onion, leeks and chives – Toxic to pets which causes anemia (destructions of red blood cells)
- Raw or cooked meat – (potential risk of Salmonella, and fatty cooked meats/skin can cause a pancreatitis fare-up, which can cause diarrhea and vomiting)
- No left over bones – choking hazard and potential risk of splintering inside the digestive track which can cause a forigen body that may need surgery.) Be cautious of throwing products out in the trash as your pets may get curious and try to help them to the leftovers. Ensure garbages are changed when needed or kept the bin away from your pets.
Pet friendly treats that can be offered instead!
- Raw fruits like apples, blueberries, bananas and strawberries.
- Raw vegetables like carrots, green beans and sweet potato.
Reminder! Everything comes with moderation, pets can still get an upset stomach if given too many treats.
Reminder for gifting and/or receiving plants/flowers
Some common plants/flowers are toxic if ingested by cats and dogs include:
- Lillies, tulips, Hyacinths, Hydrangeas, Peonies, Holly, Azaleas, Chrysanthemums, Irises and Ferns
- Some symptoms arise as vomiting, diarrhea, abnormal heart rate/breathing patterns, abdominal pain, neurological signs, etc..
- If you think your pet may have ingested a toxic plant/flower call posion control (1-855-764-7661) immediately and seek veterinary care.
