Holiday Foods to Avoid
30 Oct 2017
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ALERT, ALERT!
Dear customers,
Dear customers,
5 holiday foods to avoid feeding their four-legged family members.
At Christmas time, this is even more of a challenge when often we're busy watching our intake and waist line and not watching the scraps that the dog or cat is feasting upon.
Here is a quick rundown on foods to be aware of during the holiday season:
1/ Chicken and turkey cooked bones
The bones become brittle during the cooking process. They can easily splinter into fragments when chewed and pose a serious health risk if ingested because they can even puncture the stomach lining.
2/ Stuffing and nuts
Stuffing is made up of a lot of herbs and spices so it's best to avoid around pets. Nuts are often hard to digest because of the fat content which has a potential to lead to pancreatitis. Another issue is with smaller nuts - if you dog gulps them down too quickly, they may actually inhale them without chewing. Occasionally this can lead to choking or lead to an obstruction in their digestive system.
3 / Onions and garlic
Amazing seasonings for humans are detrimental to dogs. Onions contain thiosulphate, which can lead to haemolytic anaemia. Garlic has smaller amounts so it's best to avoid that as well. If you believe your dog has eaten some, symptoms to watch out for include shortness of breath, vomiting and diarrhoea.
4/ Sultanas, grapes and raisins
A Christmas cake or pudding wouldn't be the same without this flavourful ingredient but you have to ensure no pieces are stolen by the dog. A chemical contained within them can cause kidney failure which isn't often detected until it's too late.
Last but not least ...
Here is a quick rundown on foods to be aware of during the holiday season:
1/ Chicken and turkey cooked bones
The bones become brittle during the cooking process. They can easily splinter into fragments when chewed and pose a serious health risk if ingested because they can even puncture the stomach lining.
2/ Stuffing and nuts
Stuffing is made up of a lot of herbs and spices so it's best to avoid around pets. Nuts are often hard to digest because of the fat content which has a potential to lead to pancreatitis. Another issue is with smaller nuts - if you dog gulps them down too quickly, they may actually inhale them without chewing. Occasionally this can lead to choking or lead to an obstruction in their digestive system.
3 / Onions and garlic
Amazing seasonings for humans are detrimental to dogs. Onions contain thiosulphate, which can lead to haemolytic anaemia. Garlic has smaller amounts so it's best to avoid that as well. If you believe your dog has eaten some, symptoms to watch out for include shortness of breath, vomiting and diarrhoea.
4/ Sultanas, grapes and raisins
A Christmas cake or pudding wouldn't be the same without this flavourful ingredient but you have to ensure no pieces are stolen by the dog. A chemical contained within them can cause kidney failure which isn't often detected until it's too late.
Last but not least ...
5/ Chocolate!
It's everywhere you look over the holidays and given as the most popular gift for those 'hard to buy for'. Given dogs and cats keen sense of smell, they're going to find it so whatever you do, don't leave it within reach! Chocolate contains Theobromine, which is toxic to both cats and dogs.