Pet Care

BRIANNA JOHNSON CARED FOR CANINE & CAT

Q

With the holidays upon us, remind me, what foods and plants are dangerous for my pet?

AIt’s not just your own mouth that waters at the sight of all the holiday goodies. Your four-legged friends are as tempted as you are. When you’re sitting at the table, plate piled high with ham, turkey, mashed potatoes and toasty rolls, Fluffy is there too, saying with her eyes, “Oh please, share with me.”

While there’s nothing wrong with a special treat now and then during the holidays, there are things that pets really should not have. Cooked bones are a no-no; they can splinter. Turkey skin, though super tasty, is also a bad idea as the grease can be hard on a pet’s digestion. Gravy is a perfect topping for taters, but no surprise, it has too much fat and salt for your furry friend. And the ever-popular nut bowl is a tricky danger since nuts can be a choking hazard as well as being toxic—macadamias and hazelnuts in particular.

A few more toxic items to avoid:

• Grapes and raisins • Chocolate, coffee and caffeine • Onions, garlic and chives • Xylitol, found in sugar-free gum

You may be saying, “But we’ve given Fluffy all of that before and she’s been fine.” There will always be a dog that somehow manages to binge something off limits and be alright. But it’s really not worth the risk. If you want to give your pet a special treat, use vegetables like green beans, carrots or plain mashed potatoes. And you can give them some turkey as long as it’s without the skin.

And since the holidays are not limited to special foods, keep your pets in mind when picking out any greenery or centerpieces. While many holiday plants are not fatal, they can definitely be troublesome. Lilies, mistletoe and Christmas cactus are a few to avoid.

Poinsettias, which are often on the top of the plant list as toxic to pets are actually considered “non” or “mildly” toxic. Pets may develop a mild rash if it is ingested.

“Poinsettias are usually referred to as highly toxic, but they really aren’t. Feel free to display them at Christmas,” says Dr. Dorothy Black, clinical assistant professor at the Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, in an article on moderndogmagazine.com.

If you think your pet ingested something dangerous, go to the Pet Poison Helpline: petpoisonhelpline.com. Or call the Animal Poison Control Center 24/7: 855.764.7661. And, of course, always contact your veterinarian.

SP

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