Pet Holiday Food Guide: Prevent Dogs From Eating Toxic Foods This Holiday Season

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Invisible Fence Brand

Dec 13, 2018, 11:35 ET


KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (PRWEB) December 13, 2018 -- There is a long list of holiday foods that are bad for dogs (and cats). Knowing what Christmas foods are toxic for pets is an important way to ensure happy holidays for all. Read Invisible Fence Brand's pet holiday food guide for foods that are okay for dogs and cats to consume around the holidays.

Pet Holiday Food Guide: Toxic Foods for Pets

  • Nuts: While nuts vary in health risks for pets, overall, they are high in fat. Macadamia nuts, in particular can be extremely toxic.
  • Raisins and Grapes: Even in small quantities, raisins and grapes are extremely bad for dogs and can cause kidney failure.
  • Ham: While ham and bacon are holiday favorites for humans, they are extremely high in fat which can cause pancreatitis in dogs.
  • Alcohol: While this may be a no brainer, alcohol poisoning in pets is more common than you think with alcohol hidden in surprising places like rum-soaked fruitcake or unbaked dough containing yeast. Alcohol negatively affects dogs’ livers as it absorbs quickly into the bloodstream. If your pet ingests alcohol, it can lead to health issues like respiratory complications, drops in blood pressure, vomiting, tremors or worse.
  • Caffeine: Caffeine is known to be fatal to canines and can often be found in coffee, tea or chocolate. All of these are on the Reader’s Digest’s list of people foods to avoid feeding your pet.
  • Chocolate: Chocolate is bad for dogs because it contains caffeine as well as a chemical called theobromine, which is toxic to dogs. Large amounts are known to cause seizures and heart arrhythmias.
  • Candy: Too much sugar can lead to diabetes, obesity or cavities, so vets recommend limiting sugar-intake in dogs’ diets. Artificial sweeteners like xylitol are particularly bad for dogs and can lead to liver failure. Wrappers and lollipop sticks are also a huge choking hazard for animals.
  • Dairy: Dairy is difficult for dogs to digest and can lead to allergic reactions, upset stomach and diarrhea. A holiday favorite for humans, eggnog is not so good for dogs. Anything loaded with fat, sugar, milk and raw eggs is a no-no on the holiday food guide.
  • Stuffing: Depending on the recipe, stuffing can be dangerous to your pets because of the high amounts of garlic, chives, safe and onion. These ingredients can damage blood cells and lead to anemia. Certain herbs can also cause central nervous system depression.
  • Nutmeg: Another popular holiday ingredient, nutmeg is a toxic spice for dogs and can cause hallucinations, seizures and stomach aches.
  • Salt: While salt isn’t necessarily poisonous, it can cause excess thirst and urination which can be dangerous for dogs with underlying kidney issues.
  • Turkey Bones: Cooked bones are likely to splinter and can cause intestinal problems, so keep turkey and chicken bones out of the trash.
  • Poinsettias: Not only are foods hazardous, but also be cautious of holiday plants like poinsettias. These are particularly dangerous and can leads to vomiting and stomach pain. Other plants to be cautious of are lilies, holly and mistletoe – just a few lily leaves or petals can be fatal to cats.

What to do if Your Dog Eats Toxic Foods

If you suspect your cat or dog got into holiday food, be ready to act fast. Head to the emergency vet immediately if your pet is in pain and exhibiting symptoms. To be proactive, Invisible Fence recommends adding the 24/7 Pet Poison Helpline to your phone just in case.

How to Avoid Food-Related Accidents

Invisible Fence(R) Brand is here to help! Protecting pets for 315 dog years, they are committed to providing pets independence and safety year-round. Particularly during the holidays, Invisible Fence’s Indoor Solutions can help keep pets away from food and other hazards in specific areas of the home. Learn about Indoor Shields® units and Micro Shields® units, OR read their blog for tips to Stop Your Dog from Begging for Food this Holiday.

About Invisible Fence® Brand
Invisible Fence pioneered the pet containment industry in 1973, making it their mission to provide safe boundaries inside and outside of the home. The Radio Systems Corporation® owned company predominantly sells pet containment, avoidance and access solutions across the U.S. and Canada. In addition to offering award-winning products like Boundary Plus® Technology, Authorized Dealers provide professional installation, Perfect Start™ Plus Training and integrated solutions that have protected more than three million pets to date. Invisible Fence also founded the Project Breathe™ Program in 2006, donating more than 24,000 pet oxygen masks to fire departments and first responders. For more information on Invisible Fence or to find a local dealer, visit InvisibleFence.com or follow the company on Facebook.

Tricia Klebe, Invisible Fence Brand, https://www.invisiblefence.com, 8652358791, [email protected]