You already know that there are many things to do when you adopt a dog to ensure they are safe, sound, happy, and loved in their new home. Your new pup has quickly become a part of the family, and you’re excited to have him around for his very first holiday season. However, there are a few things that you need to know when it comes to protecting your lovable pooch at this time of year, especially where food is concerned. Below are a few of the top foods you should avoid giving your dog this holiday season.
Any Type of Chocolate
During the holidays, people use chocolate more than any other time of year. While that cocoa or the artisan chocolate you brought for your Aunt Mary is great and yummy for humans, it could hurt or even kill your new puppy. If you catch your pup getting into the chocolate, it’s best to take him to your local vet as soon as possible.
Grapes and Raisins
Most pet owners don’t realize that a grape or that handful of raisins you toss to Fido when you’re cooking can actually lead to kidney failure. Since the fruits can have different effects on different pets, it’s important to just keep them away from your dog at all costs. If he does ingest one of these fruits, it’s enough of an emergency to contact your local emergency vet for treatment right away.
Nutmeg
Another commonly used spice during the holidays is nutmeg, and while you wouldn’t think it could in any way harm your pet, it can. This great-tasting spice can cause neurological damage in your pup if he eats too much of it. Since it’s difficult to know how much is too much for your family friend, it’s best to keep the nutmeg away from your furry pal altogether, just to be on the safe side.
Nuts
Whether it’s for guests to snack on while waiting on Thanksgiving dinner or the family to munch on while decorating the tree, bowls of nuts end up on tables in households everywhere during the holiday season. If you have a dog, however, it’s better to keep the bowls of nuts up where they can’t reach them, as if they gobble them down, you might just spend the rest of the evening at the vet’s office with a pup that has a gastrointestinal blockage. So, when it comes to the nuts, it’s best to keep them out of paws reach, to protect your new furry friend from harm.
Caffeine of Any Sort
You already know to keep chocolate away from your dog, but it’s just as important to keep any other products containing caffeine away from him as well. Exposure to any type of caffeine, whether it’s dark chocolate or coffee, can cause your pups heart rate to speed up to dangerous levels. If your dog gulps the cup of Joe you left on the end table, make an appointment to take him to the vet right away.
The holidays are a fun time for family, friends, and furry animals alike. However, amid all of the decorating, eating, and being with friends, it’s important to keep an eye on the safety of your pets. That means keeping them away from open fires, away from the tinsel that goes on the Christmas tree, and always, always making sure you’re careful what holiday treats you give them, or the ones they can sneakily get into when you’re not looking.
This was a really useful guide to read! I remember being shocked when I was younger and learned of the dangerous effects chocolate has on dogs. As many fun and interesting new treats there are for dogs, there’s no reason for the risks people food has on dogs.
This is a great post and good reminder for pet owners.
I didn’t know about nuts or nutmeg. Good tips.