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Who can resist a holiday meal? Whether it’s a gravy-covered plate of meat and potatoes or an abundance of buttery rolls and pie crusts, dinner tables this time of year can be really tempting. You don’t even have to be hungry to enjoy everything in front of you! If we feel this way about the holidays, our pets probably do, too. While you don’t have to exclude them entirely, it’s important to observe certain safety tips to prevent a pet emergency this holiday season.

A Cornucopia of Goodness?

As pet owners, the holidays yield many tasty goodies for us, but the same can’t be said for our companions. Without a doubt, the menu items we crave and love the most are also some of the most dangerous for our pets.  

While some foods cause only mild irritation, the consumption of others can result in a life-threatening pet emergency.

Know the Score

Dangerous holiday foods include:

• Chocolate
• Caffeine
• Alcohol
• Avocados
• Garlic, onions, sage
• Raisins and grapes
• Macadamia nuts

A good rule of thumb? Don’t offer your pet any food with the above ingredients. Another important defense is to reduce your pet’s exposure to these items by not leaving them out on tables or countertops. If they’re never given the opportunity to taste something they shouldn’t, you’re one step closer to avoiding a pet emergency this holiday season.

Above and Beyond

Pets love sniffing out the garbage bins. Unfortunately, fatty foods, like butter and gravy, can lead to a painful inflammatory condition called pancreatitis. Bones are off-limits because they have the potential to splinter and cut the inside of the mouth, throat, stomach, or intestines.

Packaging, such as cellophane or styrofoam, can lead to intestinal obstruction which may require emergency care, diagnostics, or even surgery.  

Holiday Goodness

While you definitely want to protect your pet from a holiday-related disaster, you don’t have to exclude them from all the fun. Instead, help them be on their best behavior before the family meal by wearing them out. A long walk or jog and lots of playtime can all contribute to a tuckered out pet.

When you’re ready to sit down for the holiday meal, provide a plate of goodies just for your pet. Offer steamed veggies, cut up pieces of white meat, and a few slices of fresh fruit. A pet with a full tummy will beg much less for a tasty bite of people food.

Safe and Comfortable

Lastly, if you believe your pet would be safer and more comfortable staying somewhere else during the holidays, please let us know. We’re happy to refer you to a clean, reputable boarding facility or connect you with a pet sitter.

From all of us at All Creatures Veterinary Hospital of Brooklyn, we wish you and your family a happy (and safe) holiday season!