Our canine family members are exactly that- they are family. We want them to be happy and enjoy all the benefits we have to offer, but we also need to keep in mind that there are many foods we can safely enjoy that they cannot.
With the holidays coming up, and special meals and desserts being prepared, it’s important to remember that there are several toxic and dangerous foods our dogs should not consume. While some of these off-limit foods can induce cramps, diarrhea, vomiting, or lethargy, many can cause severe illness, organ damage, or death.
Keep in mind that your dog does not need to ingest a large amount of these toxic foods to become extremely ill requiring emergency medical attention. Keeping a VERY close eye on your dog, or keeping your dog separated from holiday guests may be the best prevention.
Well-meaning relatives can turn into your dog’s worst holiday nightmare, and yours too.
The symptoms of toxic poisoning may NOT occur immediately or even within a short time of ingestion. Signs of illness can start as much as 12-24 hours after a dog has consumed grapes or raisins and 24+ hours before a dog’s kidneys begin to fail.
If you are planning on a holiday get-together, please take the time to do a little research about the meals you are planning.
Grapes and Raisins are well known as a “Don’t feed that to my dog” human snack. Here are some others you should be aware of.
Chocolate and White Chocolate
Onions
Garlic
Alcohol
Sugar-Free anything because of the sugar substitute Xylitol- may even be in Peanut Butter
Avocados
Caffeine
Nuts especially Macadamia
Blue Cheese
Cherry pits or any fruit pits
Apple Seeds
Banana Peels
Corn Cobs
Cooked Bones
Raw Potatoes especially Green Potatoes
Hops
Lemons and Limes
Canned Fruit
Orange Peel
Mushrooms
Marijuana
Mustard and Mustard Seeds
Be mindful of prepared foods, packaged foods, food that are cream, sauce, gravy, pudding, casserole, or dishes containing numerous ingredients. Read the labels to be sure they are safe or if in doubt, DON’T feed it to your dog.
Be aware of guests, particularly children, who enjoy treating your dog to some of the holiday food.
The Murphdog family wishes all of you a Happy, Healthy, and Safe Holiday Season.
