The holiday season brings joy, family gatherings, and tables laden with delicious treats. As we enjoy this festive season, it’s important to keep in mind that some of the foods we love could pose serious dangers to our furry friends.
Dogs and cats, due to their different dietary needs and sensitivities to certain ingredients, can face significant risks during the holidays. In this article, we explore the dangers lurking at the festive table and provide tips on how to keep our beloved pets safe during the holiday season.
Chocolate and Christmas Sweets
Chocolate , common in many Christmas recipes, is highly toxic to dogs and cats. It contains theobromine and caffeine, two substances that, when combined, can be toxic to the gastrointestinal tract, kidneys, heart, and nervous system.
Our beloved pets metabolize these substances much more slowly than humans, and sweets, biscuits and cakes can also contain sugar and artificial sweeteners, which are also harmful to the health of animals. Avoiding sharing sweets with our furry friends is essential to prevent food poisoning.
Cooked bones and fish bones: watch out for crumbling
Turkey, chicken, and fish are staples during the holidays, but feeding pets bones or fish bones, especially cooked or processed ones, can cause serious health problems.
Fish bones or small cooked bones can splinter and cause injuries to the mouth, throat, and intestines . Instead of feeding table bones, it is better to opt for pet-specific products, such as deer bones or dog chews or safe chew toys.
Onions and Garlic: Hidden Enemies
Some holiday foods contain onions and garlic, which are also toxic to dogs and cats. These foods can cause damage to red blood cells and lead to a serious health problem known as anemia . There are maximum amounts allowed but it is advisable to be very careful and avoid offering dogs and cats foods that contain them.
Alcohol and Sugary Drinks
Alcoholic and sugary drinks are often present on festive tables. Alcohol is extremely dangerous for animals, in fact it can cause neurological problems and in severe cases even coma. In fact, unlike humans, animals cannot quickly assimilate alcohol and this can lead to serious intoxication. In addition, sugary drinks can lead to stomach problems and obesity. Making sure that pets do not have access to glasses or containers containing these drinks is essential.
Beware of Food Remains and Leftovers
Some human foods, even if not toxic, can cause digestive upset when consumed in large quantities; it is better to opt for small portions and prefer safe foods such as a nice chicken breast cooked especially for him without special seasonings.
In conclusion, the holidays are a time of joy and sharing, but we must be aware of the dangers that the feasting table can pose to our furry friends. Keeping harmful foods out of reach, educating guests about pet food safety , and offering safe alternatives can help ensure that our furry friends also enjoy a happy, but most importantly, healthy, holiday.
