5 Foods To Avoid Giving Your Pets on the Holidays

The holidays are a time of joy, celebration, and of course, indulgent feasts! With delicious meals, festive treats, and plenty of leftovers to go around, it can be tempting to share some of your holiday goodies with your furry family members. While sharing love and attention is encouraged, sharing certain foods is not. Many popular holiday dishes can be harmful—or even dangerous—for pets.

To ensure your celebrations remain merry and bright, here are five foods you should avoid giving your pets during the holidays, along with reasons why they’re harmful and symptoms to watch for if your pet accidentally indulges.

5 Holiday Foods That Are Toxic To Pets

1. Chocolate

Chocolate is a staple in holiday desserts, from cookies to rich cakes. However, it contains theobromine and caffeine, both of which are toxic to pets.

Why It’s Dangerous: The darker the chocolate, the more toxic it is. Even small amounts can lead to serious health issues in pets.

Symptoms of Toxicity: Vomiting, diarrhea, rapid breathing, increased heart rate, and seizures.

2. Turkey Bones and Skin

Turkey is a holiday favorite, but it’s best to keep the bones and skin away from your pets.

Why It’s Dangerous: Bones can splinter and cause choking or internal injuries. Fatty turkey skin can lead to pancreatitis, a painful and potentially life-threatening condition.
Symptoms of Trouble: Vomiting, abdominal pain, lethargy, and loss of appetite.

3. Grapes and Raisins

These may seem like harmless snacks, but they can cause severe kidney damage in pets.

Why It’s Dangerous: Even small amounts of grapes or raisins can be toxic to dogs and cats, leading to kidney failure.

Symptoms of Toxicity: Vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, lethargy, and signs of kidney failure such as decreased urination.

4. Onions, Garlic, and Chives

These common ingredients are often used in stuffing, casseroles, and gravies, but they are toxic to pets.

Why It’s Dangerous: They can damage your pet’s red blood cells, leading to anemia.
Symptoms of Toxicity: Weakness, pale gums, rapid heart rate, and collapse.

5. Alcohol

Alcoholic beverages and food items containing alcohol should never be given to pets.

Why It’s Dangerous: Even a small amount of alcohol can lead to ethanol poisoning in pets.
Symptoms of Toxicity: Vomiting, disorientation, difficulty breathing, tremors, and in severe cases, coma.

Did Your Pet Ingest Toxic Holiday Foods? Contact Akeso Veterinary Clinic for Assistance Today!

If you suspect your pet has ingested any of these foods, it’s crucial to act quickly. Contact your veterinarian immediately or call a pet poison control hotline. Early intervention can make all the difference.

For pet parents in Canonsburg, PA, the team at Akeso Veterinary Clinic is here to help. If your pet shows symptoms of food toxicity or any unusual behavior during the holidays, don’t hesitate to reach out. Call us right away to ensure your pet receives prompt and effective care.

Let’s keep the holidays safe and joyous for everyone, including your beloved pets!

5 Foods To Avoid Giving Your Pets on the Holidays