Holiday Pet Safety You Can Really Sink Your Teeth Into

Have you ever wanted something so badly, but you weren’t allowed to have it? Well, your pet probably has, too – and will most likely experience that again this holiday season. Sure, it’s the most wonderful time of year for us, but for pets the weeks between Thanksgiving and New Year’s can be punctuated with longing that’s hardly ever satisfied. Turkey, gravy, and sweets galore make it all the more important to observe holiday pet safety.

Paying Attention

It’s one thing to not offer your pet some of the season’s spoils, but perhaps it’s more important to limit their access entirely. It’s easy to assume that your pet would never jump up on the table or go through the trash can, but given the opportunity, most animals cannot help themselves.

Pet Emergencies

Reduce the chances of a pet emergency by understanding what puts your pet in harm’s way. Holiday pet safety certainly encompasses calamities other than poisoning, but if you limit access to the following human foods, the better off your pet will be:

• Alcohol
• Chocolate
• Coffee
• Raisins/grapes
• Nuts
• Onions, garlic, chives
• Milk and dairy
• Yeast (raw bread dough)
• Xylitol

What About Meat?

The centerpiece of any fine holiday meal is, of course, a platter of meat. Whether you serve turkey, ham, duck, or goose at your family’s meal, please keep it away from your pet. Fatty, rich, salty meat can lead to the painful symptoms of pancreatitis.

Also, raw meat can be very harmful to pets. Please do not leave raw meat out on the counter without someone to ward off your pet. Prohibiting your pet from chomping down on bones is also key to holiday pet safety, as bones can splint and harm your pets internally. We understanding it’s tempting and your pet may whine endlessly for a holiday treat, but it’s best to resist their pleading.

Instead, offer your pet a variety of healthy, delicious foods, such as:

• Pumpkin-yogurt smoothie – Blend ½ cup pumpkin puree with ½ cup plain yogurt. Either freeze into small paper cups, ice cube molds, or serve fresh in a bowl to lap up.
• Peanut appetizer –  Spread xylitol-free peanut butter onto baby carrots, apple slices, or celery sticks. Watch with wonder how quickly your pet crunches through this delicious treat.
• Sweet potato “cookies” – Mix 1 large cooked sweet potato with 1 banana, ½ cup quinoa flour, and ½ tablespoon of vegetable oil. Drop teaspoons of dough onto a cookie sheet and bake for 30 minutes at 350 degrees.

Holiday Pet Safety and You

If you need any help with holiday pet safety, please let us know. Keeping your pet out of the emergency room is possibly the best gift you can give your pet. Our veterinarians and staff are always happy to assist you and your furry friend!