Don't let your holiday celebration turn into a trip to the animal hospital

BY: DR. BEAU BLACK

Vet Talk

Dr. Beau Black talks holiday foods that are toxic to your pet:

Xylitol

"This is a sweetener that is often used in "sugar-free" products, such as sugar-free gum, candies, some brands of peanut butter and baked goods, to name a few. If a pet eats it, their body cannot distinguish the xylitol from a large amount of glucose, so it stimulates a strong release of insulin. The insulin causes a large drop in the pets' blood glucose, resulting in hypoglycemia. Clinically, this can look a lot like a person who has overdosed on insulin. The pet can act severely lethargic, ataxic (falling over), have seizures, vomiting, diarrhea or even death. If you suspect xylitol exposure, have your pet seen by a veterinarian immediately. It is important to bring the package of the xylitol-containing product so your veterinarian can calculate how much your pet may have ingested."

Chocolate

"Chocolate contains theobromines and caffeine, which are toxic to dogs. It can cause vomiting, diarrhea, neurologic abnormalities or, in severe cases, death. The type of chocolate the pet ingests is important. For instance, milk chocolate contains the least amount of the toxic components, while dark chocolate and baking chocolate contain much higher quantities. Have your pet evaluated immediately by a veterinarian, taking the chocolate product packaging to your veterinarian as well."

Turkey/chicken/ham bones

"Cooked bone products can splinter as your pet chews or gnaws on them. These splinters can be ingested and result in abdominal pain, damage to the gastrointestinal tract or, in severe cases, obstruction or perforation of the intestines. Do not make the pet throw up; this can result in further damage to the stomach or esophagus. Have the pet evaluated by a veterinarian as soon as possible."

Toxic fruits and vegetables

"Some fruits and vegetables are toxic to pets. The most common toxicities are from grapes, onions and garlic. Grapes can cause damage to kidneys; onions and garlic can cause anemia (loss of red blood cells). It is important to keep these food items out of reach of your pets. If you suspect ingestion, have your pet evaluated by a veterinarian."

ALCOHOL

"Pets can?t tolerate alcohol(ethanol) like humans, so they are susceptible to alcohol poisoning. They can act depressed, become uncoordinated, vomit or become unresponsive. Have your pet evaluated immediately by a veterinarian, and tell your guests to keep their beverages safely out of reach of pets."

Holiday plants

"Lilies are very toxic to cats; it causes acute renal failure (kidney disease). A cat can eat a very small amount or even ingest the water, and still develop kidney disease. Poinsettias are mildly toxic to pets; ingestion rarely requires veterinary care. Christmas tree water can result in a mild gastrointestinal upset in pets."

DR. BEAU BLACK currently practices at Town and Country Animal Hospital in Aubrey, Texas. He has three dogs, two English Labrador Retrievers, Bear and Finn, and a Miniature Longhair Dachshund, Theodore.