Certain human food can be safely given to your pets as an occasional treat, but other foods are dangerous and even toxic to pets. With the holiday season approaching, make sure that your family and houseguests (especially children) know that your pets should not be given any of these dangerous foods:
Fatty or Raw Meat and Bones
Fatty meat can contribute to pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer, and can also just be too rich for your pet. It might cause stomach upset, vomiting, or diarrhea. Raw meat can carry diseases that make your pet sick. Meat bones can be a choking hazard, as they might become splintered as your pet chews them. The splinters can then perforate your pet’s esophagus or cause an intestinal blockage.
Chocolate, Sugar, Oil, and Fat
Most people know that chocolate can be fatal to pets, but might not be aware that excess sugar and fat can also be dangerous. Sugar, fat, and oil can cause or contribute to pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer. These ingredients can also raise your pet’s blood sugar to dangerous and even fatal levels. Artificial sweeteners like Xylitol are just as dangerous, causing seizures and death. Keep Halloween candy, donuts, latkes, sweet potato casserole, and other rich holiday foods away from your pets.
Alcohol and Yeast
Your pet can suffer from alcohol poisoning after just a few sips of alcohol or beer. Alcohol and yeast can both cause bloating, high blood sugar levels, seizures, vomiting, diarrhea, excessive thirst or fatigue, coma, or death. Cooked bread isn’t a danger if it’s eaten in small amounts, but raw yeast in uncooked dough can be fatal. If you’re baking and have uncooked dough out to rise, make sure your curious pet can’t reach it.
If your pet has consumed any of these dangerous holiday treats, you should visit your veterinarian as soon as possible. Your veterinarian can also provide guidance on building a more nutritious diet for your pet to follow year-round.