Holiday Preparedness - Food Safety
Published: November 25, 2009
Dr. Donna Spector, DVM, DACVIM, of VCA Animal Hospitals wants to make sure your family – including your furry friend – has a happy and healthy holiday season. She will be providing tips every Tuesday over the next few weeks, so be sure to check back often to learn more about food and décor hazards, traveling or boarding a pet and even safe pet gifts. Please share with your family and friends!
This week, Dr. Spector shares advice for keeping holiday food and goodies out of your pet’s paws.
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Your VCA Team
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Holiday Fare
Dr. Donna Spector
Many holiday foods can be dangerous for your pet. No need to forego your favorite holiday goodies, just be careful what your pet is given….or tries to steal!
Feed your pet before any planned festivities. This will help your pet feel more satiated and they are not as likely to beg or steal food from partygoers. As a safeguard, inform all friends and family that your pets are not to be fed any of the holiday food.
Special notes must be made about the following food hazards:
- Avoid chocolate. Especially dark or baking chocolate, but all chocolate should be avoided. There are toxins present in chocolate which can cause problems ranging from mild stomach upset to seizures and death.
- Avoid alcohol. Many pets are attracted to the sweet drinks made during the holiday, especially those containing eggnog. Clean up all glasses and don't leave bottles on the counter without tops. Pets can die after a single bout of alcohol consumption.
- Avoid rich fatty foods. These foods can cause your pet mild stomach irritation to a severe condition known as pancreatitis, which often requires hospitalization and can be fatal.
- Avoid giving bones. Bones from the Thanksgiving turkey, fish or other meats can cause problems with obstruction if swallowed. Even small bones can splinter causing tears throughout the intestinal system.
- Uncooked dough. Dough can expand and produce gas in the stomach which can cause bloat, severe pain and possible rupture of the digestive system. If you are leaving dough out to rise, keep your pet out of that room.
- Fruits and nuts. Avoid grapes, raisins and macadamia nuts as they can cause problems ranging from digestive upset to organ failure and death.
- Wrappers, aluminum foil, etc. Pets have an excellent sense of smell and will sniff out wrappers or packages that contain traces of food. Of particular note are the meat-soaked strings from turkey or roast. These and wrappers are often unable to pass and will cause obstructions that require surgery to remove. Keep your countertops clean and take your trash out frequently (into a securely locked area).
Your VCA Team
