As we gather and celebrate the holiday season with family and friends. We tend to spoil our fur-babies as well with extra helpings of food and treats. Although we love to give our furry babies some extra treats this time of year, we need to be sure that they are safe for them to eat. Austin 360 did an article on pet safety during the holidays. Enjoy the article and holiday tips below.
Turkey
The centerpiece of Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner, can be toxic to pets if you use garlic, butter and other seasoning, Fox News reported. If the bird is cooked without extra ingredients, then it is safe for dogs and cats, The American Kennel Club says. The AKC also says to remove the skin and excess fat from any pieces you sneak to the dog, and don’t let them gnaw on the bones because they can splinter and either block or tear their intestines.
Stuffing
Stuffing, while made mostly of bread, can be dangerous to dogs and cats thanks to the ingredients used. Onions are dangerous for dogs and cats. They can cause anemia in dogs, according to the AKC.
Sweet Potatoes
Again it’s not the main ingredient of sweet potatoes, but the seasonings that can cause your pets to get sick.
Alcohol
Small amounts of alcohol can make them intoxicated. It can also cause a drop in blood sugar, blood pressure and in severe cases, seizures, respiratory failure and even death, according to the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals.
Coffee
Caffeine is a big no for animals. If an animal drinks anything with caffeine, it can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, excessive thirst, hyperactivity and abnormal heart rhythms, according to the ASPCA.
Chocolate
We all know that chocolate is dangerous to dogs, but why is the sweet treat a no-no for dogs? It’s all because of theobromine, which is toxic for dogs and cats. If they ingest it, they may vomit, have diarrhea and seizures, even death, according to Reader’s Digest.
Christmas and Holiday Plants and Decorations
Be mindful this time of year with plants and flashy shiny decorations. Trees can also be an issue with pets, climbing into them and getting hurt. Some plants are very poisonous like Poinsettias. Be careful when decorating, to place them in high places where your pets cannot get to it. Watch your decorations and make sure they do not contain too much glitter or paint substances that can make a pet sick if eaten. Keep them high and out of reach as much as possible. New shiny objects bring out pet curiosity and can tempt them with eating dangerous objects.
Click here for more foods that are dangerous to pets and to read the original source article from Austin 360.