Christmas Holiday Safety for Dogs

Some tips from Petsecure

Most human foods aren't safe for dogs - even during the holidays.

Pancreatitis is a condition frequently seen by vets during the holidays despite of their owners best efforts. What may seem like a ‘healthy scrap,’ is almost always too high in fat and salt for dogs and cats.

Festive foods and drinks to avoid are:

• Onions and garlic

• Alcohol

• Fat trimmings

• Yeast dough (found in some buns)

The following festive foods are safe in small amounts, without added butter, salt or sauces:

• Turkey broth, not gravy

• Brussel sprouts

• Carrots

• Chicken and Turkey (not on the bone!!)

• White fish

Poultry bones are the worst festive foods that dogs can get a hold of.

When cooked, bones become brittle, and combined with the generally small size there are a lot of risks which include:

• Obstructions in the throat

• Obstructions in the intestinal tract

• A scratched esophagus or intestines

• Blockages that require surgery

• Mouth injuries

The following ingredients found in desserts that are dangerous to dogs are:

• Grapes and raisins

• Macadamia nuts

• Xylitol (artificial sweetener)

• Chocolate – especially dark and bakers chocolate.

• Fruit pits or seeds